Looking for legitimate ways to get free money? While there's no magic wand for instant cash, there are several proven methods to earn free money through sign-up bonuses, rewards programs, and cash-back opportunities.
12 Legit Ways to Get Free Money in 2024: Complete Guide
This guide explores the most reliable ways to get free money in 2024, with step-by-step instructions to help you maximize your earnings.
1. Ibotta Cash Back App
Ibotta stands out as one of the most reliable ways to earn free money through everyday shopping. The app offers a $10 welcome bonus and allows you to earn cash back on grocery purchases at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger. Most users earn between $10-30 per month, and you can cash out once you reach $20 via PayPal or direct deposit.
2. Bank Account Sign-up Bonuses
Major banks regularly offer substantial sign-up bonuses for new checking accounts. Here are some current top offers:
- Chase Total Checking: $200 bonus with $500 direct deposit
- Citi Priority Account: Up to $2,000 bonus
- PNC Virtual Wallet: $400 bonus
3. Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses
Credit card welcome bonuses offer some of the highest returns for minimal effort. The key is to only apply for cards whose minimum spending requirements match your regular monthly expenses. Check out our guide to best cashback credit cards for more options.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: 60,000 points ($750 value)
- AmEx Platinum: 80,000 points ($800 value)
4. Class Action Settlements
Class action settlements can provide unexpected windfalls, often requiring no proof of purchase. Check official settlement websites like FTC Refunds weekly for new opportunities. Average claims range from $10-$500, with some reaching several thousand dollars.
5. High-Paying Survey Sites
While many survey sites offer minimal earnings, some platforms provide significant compensation for your time. We've compiled a detailed guide to 12 Legit Paid Online Survey Sites where you can earn $5–$125 per survey.
- Respondent.io: Professional studies paying $100-$300
- User Interviews: $50-$200 per session
6. Government Unclaimed Money
Billions of dollars in unclaimed money are held by government agencies. Search your name on MissingMoney.com and Unclaimed.org to find forgotten funds. The average claim amount is $892.
7. Cashback Apps and Reward Programs
Maximize your savings with top cashback platforms. For a complete comparison, check our guide to the top 5 cashback apps. Leading options include:
- Rakuten: $30 sign-up bonus plus up to 40% cashback
- TopCashback: Highest cashback rates and $10 bonus
8. Clinical Trials
Participating in medical research can be lucrative. Our guide to highest-paying clinical trials shows how to earn up to $17,550 for participating in medical studies. Search opportunities through ClinicalTrials.gov.
9. Free Stock Shares
Investment platforms often offer free stocks for new accounts. Top offers include:
10. Referral Programs
Turn your social network into cash by referring friends to services you already use:
11. Amazon Trade-In Program
Convert unused electronics and books into Amazon gift cards. Recent iPhones can fetch up to $300, while iPads may earn up to $500. Even old textbooks typically earn $2-50 depending on demand.
12. Birthday Rewards Programs
Sign up for free birthday rewards programs to receive gifts and discounts during your birthday month. Check our guide to birthday rewards programs for a complete list. Popular options include Starbucks (free drink), Sephora (beauty gift), and Denny's (free breakfast).
Final Words
While these methods won't make you rich overnight, combining several strategies can help you earn hundreds in free money each month. Start with high-value sign-up bonuses from banks and credit cards, then build sustainable earnings through cashback apps and survey sites. Remember to track your earnings and meet all requirements for bonuses to maximize your free money potential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Free Money
Is it really possible to get free money legally?
Yes, it's possible to get free money through legitimate means such as bank sign-up bonuses, cashback apps, survey sites, and government unclaimed funds. While these methods require some effort or initial qualifying actions, they provide real monetary rewards without any cost to you.
How much free money can you realistically get?
By combining multiple methods like sign-up bonuses, cashback apps, and survey sites, you can realistically earn $500-$1,000 in your first month. After that, ongoing earnings typically range from $100-$300 per month through regular use of cashback apps and survey sites.
Are free money apps safe to use?
Legitimate free money apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and bank-sponsored apps are safe to use. They're regulated by financial authorities, utilize bank-level encryption, and protect your personal information. Always verify the app's security certificates and read user reviews before downloading.
How long does it take to receive free money from these methods?
The timeline varies by method: bank and credit card sign-up bonuses typically pay out in 30-90 days after meeting requirements, cashback apps pay within 14-30 days of reaching minimum thresholds, and survey sites usually pay instantly via PayPal or within 24-48 hours of reaching payout minimums.
