They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But you may be able to score free drinks, free samples, or even free cash with very little effort. Many companies will give you something for free, just for signing up for their email list or downloading their app. You can earn even more by taking surveys, scanning your grocery receipts, and shopping through the apps. Saving money is always in style, and earning some through your everyday shopping habits is pretty cool, too. Here are 22 ways that you can earn free stuff.
Money and Gift Cards
BeFrugal
Shop for all your electronic and household needs at BeFrugal to earn up to 40% cash back on your purchases, plus get access to exclusive deals and coupons. BeFrugal will give you $10 just for signing up.
CardPool
It’s the thought that counts but sometimes you get a gift card to a store you don’t shop at. CardPool will put $5 in your account as soon as you sign up then you can either sell unused gift cards for cash or trade them in for cards you’ll actually use.
Groupon
Aside from the great bargains you’ll find on Groupon, they’ll give you a $10 discount on your first purchase when you sign up as a new user. From everything to theater tickets to spa days to travel, Groupon has deals on everything you need. Think of it as earning money instead of saving money.
Ibotta
Earn cash back from your favorite retailers when you shop with Ibotta. The welcome bonus at Ibotta changes regularly, so check in often and sign up when you see one that you want. With Ibotta, you don’t only save when you order online. You can pay through their app at hundreds of stores to earn even more cash back.
InboxDollars
People want your opinions and will pay you for them. You’ll get a $5 bonus when you sign up at InboxDollars. Then start taking surveys and adding money to your account.
MyPoints
MyPoints changes its sign-up bonus regularly so take a look and see what they have to offer. It’s generally a $10 gift card to a major retailer like Amazon. Then the more you shop, the more points you earn toward gift cards or PayPal payouts.
Opinion Outpost
Formerly EarningStation, Opinion Outpost pays in gift cards for taking surveys. Their sign-up bonus varies, so check out what they have to offer. Then sit back and earn more easily.
Orbitz
Visit Orbitz for all your travel needs and see if they’re offering any registration bonuses for either their Rewards program or their Visa card. Bonuses can range from $25 off a hotel booking to cash back on purchases.
PointClub
Earn a $5 sign-up bonus when you register at PointClub, then start taking surveys to earn more money. Collect points and redeem them for cash.
Rakuten
When you sign up with Rakuten, which now owns eBates, choose between a $10 Walmart gift card or a $10 cash bonus. Continue shopping with Rakuten to earn cash back on all your purchases.
Swagbucks
At Swagbucks get paid for taking surveys and receive a $10 bonus for your account when you sign up. You can also shop through Swagbucks to earn more points to redeem for cash or gift cards.
TopCashback
Earn cash back when you shop through TopCashback and earn between $10 and $15 when you sign up, depending on the bonus they’re offering at the time. They feature Ebay and Amazon as top retailers for shopping through, so you can buy just about everything you need.
YouGov
YouGov is a worldwide opinion collection site. Join millions of others in making your voice heard and making a little money while you do it. Collect points for taking surveys at YouGov and trade them in for cash. For signing up they’ll start you off with 100 points.
Health and Beauty Samples
CVS Beauty Club
Sign up for the CVS Beauty Club and start receiving free samples right away, along with a birthday gift, coupons, and extra rewards points. They offer the convenience of shopping online or at your neighborhood store.
L’Oreal Paris
The L’Oreal Paris Worth It program gives you access to free samples as soon as you sign up, plus points for free stuff later, and information about members-only promotions. This is a must for beauty product junkies.
Sample Store
If you love free samples ranging from snacks to beauty products, register at the Sample Store. They’ll give you eight points for free to start reviewing their products and requesting samples. The more products you review, the more points you earn, and the more free samples you can score.
Sephora
When you join the Sephora Beauty Insider program, you’ll have access to trial sizes, free samples, and birthday presents before you even start earning reward points. Members have access to free in-store services as well.
Walmart Beauty Box
Walmart sends out a box of beauty samples four times per year when you register for their Beauty Box. All you have to pay for is a small shipping and handling fee and it’s worth it for the savings you get in the products they send.
Food and Drink
Baskin-Robbins
It’s heating up so enjoy a cool treat. Download the BR Mobile App and they’ll give you a free scoop of ice cream right away. You’ll get one for your birthday, too.
California Pizza Kitchen
When you register for CPK Rewards, you’ll get a free small plate on your next visit, then start earning points for more free stuff. They’ll give you a birthday treat, too.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Join Coffee Bean Rewards and get a free cup of coffee or tea just for downloading the app. The more drinks you order, the more points you earn to redeem for more free drinks.
IKEA
Even the cafe at IKEA will give you something for free. Join IKEA Family for a free coffee on every visit to sip while you shop. IKEA Family offers deals on some of their most popular snacks, too, including those Swedish meatballs.