25 Ways to Get Free Money Directly to Your Bank Account
Last updated: July 10, 2024
What are the easiest ways to get free money directly to your bank account? Are these options even available? Check out our comprehensive guide and see how easy it can be to add some free money to your account.
Free money is what every person wants, especially when no strings are attached. But how do you get it?
If you know where to look, there are many ways to get free money directly to your bank account. Some of these methods may be more well-known than others, but they all work well and help you get the extra money you need.
But as I’ve said, you need to know where to look. Remember, many people, companies, and websites will claim to offer free money, but they do not. Some of these opportunities might even be malicious, targeting your information or money.
So, do thorough research before engaging in the so-called free money opportunities. Luckily, we have also compiled some incredible ways to help you earn free money.
While some of these ways might not offer thousands of dollars, they can still yield good cash if done right. So, where do you start?
Sharing Your Opinion
Most of us strongly believe something or someone, but we don’t always have the time or place to voice our opinions. However, you can now express your opinion and get paid for it. That’s right!
If you want to learn how to get free money into your bank account, this is one way. And here are the best survey websites for this:
1. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a rewards program that pays you for sharing your views about specific issues and brands through surveys and Focus Groups. Every opinion you give earns you points, allowing you to redeem PayPal cash or gift cards later.
The sign-up process for Survey Junkie is free, and their surveys are incredibly easy and short. This means you don’t waste a lot of time trying to answer surveys, which allows you to do more and earn more.
Generally, each survey you complete on Survey Junkie earns you around $0.5 to $3. Now, this might not seem like much, but if you can do more surveys, you can earn more. Also, some special surveys might earn you even up to $50 each, although getting these ones might not be as easy.
Besides surveys, Survey Junkie also has an affiliate program. This means that you can make money by bringing traffic to Survey Junkie’s site. The more people you bring onto the site, the more dollars you get into your account.
With Survey Junkie, you get rewarded for your opinion and get to influence the brands that matter to you. The platform has been featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and USA Today, which means it’s a legitimate site.
See Related: Ways to Get Free Gas Gift Cards
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is another rewards platform that pays you for online activities like shopping, watching videos, and completing surveys. In addition, you can earn free money on Swagbucks by referring your friends to the site.
Generally, each of these tasks is pretty easy to complete. They offer you a new way of enjoying your free time while making some money.
When you join Swagbucks, you get a free sign-up bonus of $10. And from here, every survey you complete adds between $0.05 to $2.50 to your account. Now, this is a good way to get free money directly to your bank account.
The platform has existed for over a decade and has paid out over $650 million to its members during that period. Even better, 7000 free gift cards are available for grabs every day from the platform.
If you wish to earn from Swagbucks, all you need is to sign up for free, complete your profile, undertake those simple tasks, and earn free cash. Payment will be through PayPal, as well as gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers.
3. InboxDollars
Similar to Swagbucks, InboxDollars pays you for completing various activities such as watching videos, taking surveys, and more! Also, just for signing up for the platform, you receive a $5 bonus instantly in your account.
The platform, which has also been featured in Forbes, allows you to make easy money without stepping a foot out of your apartment. It’s that simple.
Since its inception in 2000, InboxDollars has paid over $80 million to its users via PayPal. This means that if you are looking for a legit way to earn some easy cash online, InboxDollars is a great option.
Like many other paid survey sites, InboxDollars is not an overnight get-rich scheme. This means that you won’t make thousands of dollars here. However, it’s worth it since the money is pretty easy to come around.
Each survey on InboxDollars adds between $0.5 and $5 to your wallet. And it’s quite easy to withdraw your reward as they offer PayPal, cash, and gift cards options. You can complete these surveys and tasks anywhere using your laptop or smartphone.
4. LifePoints
Getting genuine survey sites that pay might not be easy. But, LifePoints is one of the few legit and reliable ones. So, anytime you want to add a survey site to your list of side hassles, LifePoints can be an excellent choice.
While it’s a relatively new site, being operational since 2016, it has rightfully acquired a spot among the industry’s key players. Currently, the site has over 5 million users and continues to grow.
LifePoints allows you to earn in 3 simple steps. You only need to sign up, take surveys, and be rewarded. Your reward can be redeemed via PayPal or the hundreds of e-gift cards available.
When you sign up for the platform, you receive 10 LifePoints in your account to kick-start your earning journey. You can sign up today by downloading the LifePoints app on Google Play or App Store.
Generally, the app will pay you between $0.50 and $1.00 for each task you undertake. Fortunately, these tasks are easy and will only require between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. Even better, you have various options to make money from besides surveys, including polls and product tests.
5. Toluna
Toluna is a paid survey site that is popular for three main things:
- Decent pay
- Good online reviews
- Several payment options
When it comes to rewards per survey or task, Toluna knows how to compensate its panelists, compared to several other sites. A task on Toluna can earn between $0.03 and $3. However, since they are pretty short and easy surveys, you can make good money – but not much to leave your day job.
As we said earlier, always take survey sites as an additional source of income. Not the main income source.
After earning your money, you are free to redeem it through PayPal or via the numerous gift cards options available. You will, however, need to reach at least $20 or 20,000 points before you can redeem your reward.
Toluna is one of the best places to voice your opinion and influence the actions of some of the biggest brands in the world. If you want your voice heard by companies like Amazon, Sony Music, CBS, Coca-Cola, etc., Toluna is the place to do it. The platform offers you more than just earning extra bucks.
See Related: Easy Ways to Get Free Nike Shoes
6. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel was launched in 2007 and has made incredible growth steps since then. The platform now has over 10 million panelists in its user base. Also, it has distributed over $22 million to its panelists over the same period.
These are incredible results, showing that PrizeRebel is a legit site that is also well-trusted by users. The best thing about PrizeRebel is that it’s free to sign-up for, the process is incredibly fast, and offers numerous options for making easy money.
Besides the easy surveys, you can also watch videos, invite friends, or get promo codes to increase your income on the platform.
Rewards are redeemable through PayPal, gift cards, or even direct deposits. The platform is also available in various countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, plus 20 others.
See related: 12 Best Free Paid Surveys for 13-Year-Olds
Cash Back Apps
Online surveys aren’t the only way to make money online. Many other simple ways require you to do absolutely nothing. CashBack Apps are one of these amazing options. They allow you to make some money when you shop online.
Some of the best platforms to earn cashback include:
See Related: Prepaid2Cash Review: Is It Legit or a Scam?
7. ibotta
Ibotta is an app that gives you cashback when you make in-store or online purchases with your linked cards/accounts (not just at one retailer). You’ll, however, need to link your credit or debit card before making any eligible purchases.
After you make the purchase through the app, all you need is to scan the receipts so that the platform knows where they happened. The best thing about cashback apps is that, unlike survey sites that reward with points, these apps offer real cash. This means that for every qualified purchase, you receive some money back from your purchase money.
Some of the top retailers that allow you to earn cash back with ibotta include:
- Walmart
- The Home Depot
- Best Buy
- PetSmart
- Target, etc.
To get the most of this cashback program, follow these simple steps:
- Download the app
- Link your accounts
- Browser extension
- Shop at your favorite retailers
Generally, you only need to shop or dine like you usually do, and earn cash. Payment is made monthly via PayPal.
See Related: Easy Ways to Get Paid to Generate AI Art
8. Receipt Hog
If you’re looking for another great cashback app, Receipt Hog is an excellent option! Like Ibotta, Receipt Hog pays you when submitting receipts from eligible purchases. The app is undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to shop and earn money online.
All you need to do is shop, snap a picture of the receipts, earn cashback, and redeem. It’s that simple! You can redeem your earned coins via PayPal or gift cards.
The incredible thing about Receipt Hog is that you earn from any purchase, no matter where you shop. Whether you are shopping for groceries or making major purchases online, the platform allows you to make extra bucks and save with every purchase.
You need at least $20 in your account to redeem your reward or cashback. Luckily, this is pretty achievable as long as you shop frequently. It’s among the easiest way to get free money directly to your bank account.
9. Rakuten
Earning free money with Rakuten is easy as downloading and signing up for the app. For example, for simply joining this app, you receive a $10 bonus to start your online money-making journey.
Once you have the app on your phone, all that’s required of you is to shop like you always do and get discounts in the form of cashback. The platform allows you to save on any of your purchases in thousands of stores and restaurants on its list.
Generally, Rakuten gets paid from the various stores for sending clients their way and shares this money with you. Simply continue with your shopping routine and enjoy great discounts.
Some of the most common stores and brands on Rakuten’s list include:
- Macy’s
- Walmart
- Glossier
- Nike
- PetSmart, etc.
With Rakuten’s extension, you can find cashback and coupons with just one click. The platform has a five-star rating on TrustPilot and has paid shoppers over $2.2B.
10. Fetch Rewards
This app works like most other cashback platforms. When you sign up, all you have to do is shop and get rewarded. The app allows you to make money for purchases at thousands of outlets, including convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and big-box stores.
This means that whether you are dining at your favorite restaurant or shopping for groceries, Fetch Rewards gives you an incredible chance to make easy, free money quickly. However, if you want to earn rewards from this app, you must upload your receipts before 14 days from the purchase time.
One of the greatest advantages of shopping with Fetch Rewards is that their reward system is fast and efficient. You can also receive your cashback via PayPal or gift card.
11. Capital One Shopping
When it comes to saving money on your purchases, Capital One Shopping is among the best options. This app allows you to save through every purchase you make without even realizing you are doing it.
Applying Capital One Shopping to your purchases is as easy as 123 steps. All that’s required of you is to download its app or add the extension to your browsers, shop, and get discounts.
What’s amazing about this cashback platform is that you’ll not even realize it’s working. It works in your device’s background, searching for the best discounts and applying them to all your purchases.
Your hardest task is getting the app or adding the extension. The rest is what you usually do – nothing extra. Capital One Shopping is undoubtedly one of the best ways to earn money online through cashback.
The money you save through the discounts goes directly to your account, and you can later use it as you see fit. You can even use it to buy gift cards or make more purchases.
Opening New Credit Card Accounts
This is yet another great way to get free money directly into your bank account. And while the option may not be the best choice for everyone, it can help you earn some extra cash. That is if you have good credit and don’t mind taking on more credit card debt.
To qualify for these programs, all applicants must meet certain criteria, including having an active bank account as well as being at least 18 years old. Some of the best cards to apply for include:
12. Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Do you love traveling? This card is a great way to earn travel miles. For every purchase you make, you earn some travel miles. These miles, including flight tickets, can be redeemed for travel-related items or services.
If you are looking for a way to save for your frequent travels or even for that long-awaited vacation, Capital One Venture Rewards Cards can be an excellent option.
The rewards here are also amazing. For instance, spending at least $3,000 within three months of acquiring the card earns you 60,000 bonus miles.
When you convert these miles to dollars, you get $500, as every bonus mile translates to 1 cent. Now, this is good money you can use for even more purchases.
Also, when you shop with this card, every dollar spent earns you 2 miles. And, for every dollar spent in hotels and paying for car rentals, you earn 5 miles.
13. Capital One Savor Dining Rewards
Imagine getting a cashback for simply dining – something you’d still have done! Well, that’s how amazing getting the Savor Dining Rewards Card is.
The card allows you to earn 4% cashback on dining, entertainment, and streaming services. You also earn 3% on grocery shopping and 1% to 2% on other purchases.
Things get much better for new card members. When you spend at least $3,000 in the first three months of getting your card, you receive a one-time bonus of $300. This, plus the incredible dining, entertainment, and other shopping bonuses, make the card worthwhile.
14. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
While this card won’t get cash directly into your account, the amount you save on your flights is incredible.
For starters, when you spend $2,500 within three months after acquiring it, you receive a whopping 50,000 bonus miles. In addition, for every purchase you make at gas stations, restaurants, and American Airlines, you get 2 miles per dollar. Any other purchase using this card gets you 1 mile per dollar.
However, the card has an annual fee of $99, which usually waives for the initial 12 months.
15. Citi ThankYou Premier Card
Being rewarded for your purchases turns shopping time into fun moments. With the Citi ThankYou Premier Card, every purchase is another great moment. Whether you are shopping online, dining at your favorite restaurant, or streaming a thrilling movie, this card gives you a reason to smile.
As a new cardholder, this card has an amazing bonus for you. When you spend at least $4,000 within the first three months of registration, you get a bonus of 60,000 points.
Also, any eligible purchases you make at American Airlines, gas stations, or restaurants earn you 2 miles per dollar spent. All other purchases attract a point for every dollar.
One thing you should note, however, with this card is that the value of your points might vary based on the redeeming method. For instance, each point is worth $0.01 if redeemed for gift cards or flights. On the other hand, you’ll get $0.005 per point if you decide to receive free money directly in your account.
With this variation, redeeming the points for gift cards and flights will certainly offer more value for the points.
See related: Can You Really Make Money Online Doing Surveys?
16. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The card has incredible offers that can help you earn money in your account. Imagine getting sign-up bonuses of up to 60,000 points for just signing up. All you need to do is spend at least $4,000 in your first three months of owning the card, and you are good to get your reward.
When you redeem these points through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you receive around $750, which you can spend on travel.
The card also allows you to enjoy premium travel and dining rewards. For instance, for every purchase you make through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you earn 5 points per dollar spent. However, this excludes hotel purchases under the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit.
As for the dining rewards, you receive 3 points per dollar when you dine at your favorite restaurants. Any other travel-related purchase not included here earns you 2 points per dollar.
Rewards for Opening Checking or Saving Accounts
This is an option that few people even know exists. But the truth is that you can get free money directly in your bank account by opening a checking account or savings account.
However, the amount of money you can get will depend on the type of bank or account you use. Here are the most attractive bank accounts:
17. Chase Total Checking Account
Opening a checking account with Chase bank will earn you a whopping $225. Now, this is easy money if you ask me!
However, there is a small catch. After opening the Chase Total Checking account, you need to set up a direct deposit before 90 days of coupon enrollment elapses.
The good thing about this account is that you get more than just the free bonus. You also get to enjoy the convenience that comes with Chase Bank’s 16,000 ATMs, 4,700 branches, and an efficient mobile app.
Generally, it’s win after win for you.
18. Virtual Wallet Checking Pro
How about finding an excellent way to manage your finances while still making more money? PNC Bank helps you to achieve this easily.
For starters, you receive $200 for simply opening and using your Virtual Wallet Checking Pro. That’s a good bonus for doing almost nothing. You only need to deposit $2,000 into your new account within the initial 60 days, and you are good to go.
However, this bonus is not available in every state. You should input your zip code to determine if you qualify. Some states that qualify for the bonus include Alabama, Washington DC, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, etc.
19. US Bank Start Smart Savings Program
This program allows customers with checking accounts at the US Bank to accelerate their savings. If you are looking for an easy way to save money fast for something, this is a great opportunity for you.
And, it comes with even more benefits. For example, you get a 1% debit card cashback when you buy gas or groceries. Once you are a member, you also get a $50 sign-up bonus.
In addition, the program works in a way that helps you save without realizing or feeling the pinch. It saves on every purchase you make by rounding off the purchase. So, assume you purchased $7.8. Your debit card will be debited with $8.
The difference, $0.2, automatically goes to your money market account, helping you save unconsciously. If you can get your savings balance to $500 during the first year of operating your account, you receive a $50 cash bonus.
Get Free Money for Signing Up for Things
There are literally thousands of ways to get free money directly into your bank account by signing up for things. While it might not give you thousands of dollars, it is certainly an easy way to get free bucks into your account.
Besides the above-mentioned survey sites and cash-back apps, here are more platforms that pay you to sign up.
20. Freetrade
Picture this: earning up to £200 for a simple sign-up! Who wouldn’t want that kind of free money?
Generally, Freetrade is an investment app. But, this doesn’t mean you have to invest in the app to receive this bonus. The only thing you must do to get the bonus is to deposit at least £2 after signing up.
If you don’t want to invest with the app, you can wait for thirty days, sell the £200 free share, and withdraw your bonus. You can also decide to leave the money there to grow or even opt to invest with the app. Either way, you’ll have gotten some easy free online money.
21. Sign Up for Quidco
Quidco is a cashback app that rewards you £15 for registering with the app. The platform earns you money when you use it to make purchases, as it finds you the best discounts in the market.
Like any other cashback app, you must sign up, receive the bonus, shop, and receive the cashback. Sometimes, the sign-up bonus might vary, so ensure that you confirm first.
22. 20Cogs
The app gives you a chance to make easy money for only registering. In addition, you can earn more money when you complete simple tasks such as taking free trials.
Generally, Cogs are simple tasks that help you make even more money besides the sign-up bonus. You have to complete 20 Cogs to earn money on this website.
While you get £5 for signing up, the cogs can earn you up to £100
Get Free Money from the Government
The government offers programs that can help you get free money directly to your bank account. They include:
23. Free Money for College
With college tuition fees skyrocketing each passing day, the government has made it possible for students to access free money for tuition.
Through Federal Student Aid, you can get free money to your account to help you finish your college education. The program is under the US Department of Education. It is usually available for undergraduate programs.
24. Pension Benefits that you Never Claimed
During your employment life, you might have worked in different companies. Sometimes, you move from one company to another one, especially if the company gets closed or acquired. In most cases, not many people remember their pension benefits.
However, through Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), you can now claim those unclaimed benefits. All you need is to visit their website and follow the instructions.
25. Free Rental or Home Acquisition Money
Last on our list of ways to get free money directly into your bank account is through the HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development). The department offers more than one option for rental and homeownership issues.
It can help you to buy, rent, sell or even repair a home. While it offers tons of professional advice to tenants and homeowners, you can also get hard cash to help sort your rental or home acquisition issues.
You can check out more details about this on their official website HUD.org.