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Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below. Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you…

Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below.

Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you to go on more vacations and use your money for other things in life.

Whether it’s a fancy resort or a specific hotel brand, the trick is to know where to find these opportunities and make the most of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Loyalty programs are a direct path to earning free hotel stays. This is because they tend to give a free night after a certain number of paid stays. You accumulate points for each stay that you can redeem for free nights.
  • Credit card points can be used for free hotel stays. Many credit cards partner with hotel brands to give sign-up bonuses. By meeting the minimum spending requirements, you can earn points for free hotel stays. These points can be substantial, so choose a card aligned with your preferred hotel chain.
  • Earning gift cards from rewards platforms can be a way to make money to put toward free hotel stays.

Best Ways To Get Free Hotel Stays

Below are ways to get free hotel stays.

Take surveys for free hotel stays

You can get free gift cards by answering paid online surveys, and you can use these gift cards to help you get a free hotel stay.

So, this would work like this – you could get free gift cards to places like Hotels.com, Marriott Hotels, Holiday Inn, or even a Visa gift card (that you can use anywhere) as a reward for answering online surveys. You then collect gift cards until you reach the amount that you need to book the hotel that you want.

To get started, you’ll want to find a survey site that you trust. Some of my favorites are:

I recommend signing up for all of them so that you can get the most surveys possible to answer, which will then pay you with more gift cards.

There are also other apps that you can use as well to get free gift cards, such as Fetch Rewards and Ibotta.

I get free gift cards all the time, and recently, I logged into several of the accounts that I am signed up for and turned in my points. This led to me getting $275 in free gift cards. I personally like to wait until I have a lot of gift cards that I can redeem all at once.

Now, this would take a decent amount of time. You won’t get a free hotel stay in one day. But if you keep doing surveys, your gift cards will add up.

Recommended reading: 16 Real Ways To Earn Free Gift Cards (Amazon, Target, Visa)

How to get free hotel stays as an influencer or blogger

As a blogger and social media influencer, I have received many hotel stays for free over the years. From luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean to RV campgrounds and more, I have partnered with many different types of accommodations over the years.

And, I know of many other people who have received free hotel rooms through this as well.

Getting free hotel stays as an influencer means partnering with hotels and showing them why you’re valuable to their brand.

This may include sharing your hotel stay on your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, or somewhere else that you have followers and readers.

Here’s a quick guide on how to stay at hotels for free as a social media influencer or blogger:

  • Assess what you can offer. Hotels are looking for exposure and new customers, so your reach and engagement rates are important. How many people will see what you share about their hotel?
  • Customize your content to align with the hotel’s image and key messages.
  • Contact hotels professionally, usually through their marketing or PR department, and highlight how your content will benefit their visibility and attract potential customers. This is typically done through email.
  • Be clear about expectations – what you will provide and what you expect in return. Set deliverables, such as a number of posts, stories, or a video.

You can learn how to start a blog by taking my free How To Start A Blog Course. You can join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

Travel credit card rewards

If you want to learn how to stay at hotels for free, this is one of the top ways.

I have earned several free hotel stays over the years by using the rewards points I have earned from my credit cards toward my hotel room. I’ve been using rewards credit cards for years, and they are pretty much all that I use now. It helps me save money on travel, earn cash back, and more. 

A rewards credit card lets you earn points, miles, or cash back that you can use for almost free travel. These cards usually give you points that you can use for things like airline miles, booking hotels, gift cards, or cash back. You earn these rewards just by using your credit card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and shopping. But remember, it’s important to pay off your full balance each month to make sure the rewards are worth it and avoid paying extra for interest charges.

Here’s a quick summary to help you understand how rewards credit cards work:

  1. Choose a credit card with rewards that interest you, like points, cash back, or travel rewards.
  2. The card may require you to spend a certain amount, for example, $3,000 in the first 90 days, to get a sign-up bonus. Some don’t have any minimum requirement, and you can simply earn points for your purchases.
  3. Use these points for rewards like cash back, hotel stays, airfare, or other options.

You can learn more about my favorite cards at Best Rewards Credit Cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Chase Ultimate Rewards Points are the best!), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, and others.

I also recommend reading How To Take A 10 Day Trip To Hawaii For $22.40 – Flights & Accommodations Included.

Note: Credit card rewards and even the best travel credit cards are not worth it if you go into debt. Remember to pay off your monthly bill in time (and the full amount) before interest charges accrue. Also, many of the good rewards credit cards have an annual fee each year on your card anniversary, so take that into account as well. So, you should always be careful!

Sign up for hotel loyalty programs

Hotel rewards programs are your way to get free stays and room upgrades. When you join these programs, you can earn points for a free night’s stay, and as you climb the levels, you can get additional benefits such as getting your resort fees waived.

Programs like Marriott Hotels, IHG Rewards Club, and Hilton Honors are free to join and sometimes give you a free night after a certain number of stays or points earned.

Some examples of hotel rewards programs include:

  • Marriott Bonvoy – Combines former Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs.
  • IHG Rewards Club – Allows you to earn points for stays which can be used for free nights.
  • Hilton Honors – Provides exclusive member deals and guarantees the lowest rates when booking directly.

Many travel booking sites also have rewards programs, such as Expedia even. These programs give valuable benefits like this to get you to book through them as much as possible so that they can make more money.

You can earn points in several ways beyond just booking hotel rooms:

  • Stay at hotels – Every night you stay earns you more points, with the amount varying by hotel and the rate you book.
  • Promotions – Look out for and register for periodic promotions that have bonus points.
  • Partnerships – Earn points through partners, for instance, by booking car rentals or flights with associated airlines.

Your accumulated points can be redeemed for free hotel nights, among other rewards. The number of points needed for a free night certificate varies by hotel brand, location, and the room’s price.

Find mystery shopping jobs at hotels

Mystery shop companies sometimes need secret shoppers to evaluate a hotel for them. I have seen these types of jobs pop up several times, and I have personally done a few as well.

These are typically just one or two-night stays in your local area, but it can make for a fun and free staycation.

This can be a great way to vacation on a budget.

Become a travel agent if you’re traveling with a group

If you often travel with groups, becoming a travel agent can be a smart choice. As a travel agent, you get industry discounts and may earn commissions on your bookings. To become one, you need accreditation, usually from a trusted program that teaches you important industry knowledge.

Here’s how you can benefit:

  • Access to discounts – As a travel agent, you can unlock special rates not available to the public. When traveling with a group, this can translate into significant savings.
  • Earn commissions – Booking for multiple people means the potential for earning commissions from hotels increases. This can sometimes offset the cost of your own accommodation.

Though this role comes with perks, it also means handling travel details professionally and responsibly for others. It’s not just about getting free stays; it’s also about making sure that your group has great travel experiences.

Work at a hotel

Working at a hotel can be a way to get free accommodation. As an employee, you can usually get discounts or even stay for free, depending on your job and the hotel’s policy.

This may include jobs such as working the front desk, being in management, and more.

Policies vary, so it’s important to know what’s available to you and to ask about the hotel’s policy on employee stays. For example, some hotels have a set number of free nights as part of the employment package. Plus, discounts on rooms can sometimes extend to family and friends.

Attend a timeshare presentation

Going to a timeshare presentation can lead to complimentary hotel stays.

These can sometimes be brutal, though, so if you think that you may end up buying a timeshare that you don’t need – then DO NOT DO THIS! Timeshares can be quite expensive and they are lifelong with annual costs.

But, if you think you can withstand the temptation, plenty of people sign up for these in order to get a free hotel stay all the time.

Here’s how this works:

  • Usually, your attendance at a 90-minute to 2-hour sales pitch is required.
  • Be prepared for high-pressure sales tactics, but remember you’re under no obligation to buy.
  • Incentives can range from free hotel stays, discounted travel, or even gift cards.
  • Make sure you understand the terms and conditions attached to the free stay.
  • If interested, consider the timeshare offer carefully. If not, politely decline and redeem your free stay or other perks.

Hotel promotions and deals

You can stretch your travel budget by taking advantage of different hotel promotions and deals to get the best room rates. Whether you travel often or are planning a one-time trip, there are several strategies you can use to get free hotel stays.

When you sign up for newsletters from your favorite hotel chains, you’ll receive emails on new promotions and deals (such as for seasonal sales on room rates) directly to your inbox. Some hotels might even offer a reward night, room upgrades, or welcome points just for joining at check-in.

Scan your grocery receipts for free hotel gift cards

Using grocery receipt scanning apps can be an easy way to earn free hotel stay rewards.

As you do your regular grocery shopping at grocery stores, these apps turn your grocery receipts into points, which can be exchanged for gift cards that can be used at different hotels.

Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Download receipt scanning apps – Look for apps like Fetch Rewards (this is my favorite and the one that I use for every single one of my grocery receipts) that are known to offer hotel gift cards as a redemption option.
  2. Scan your receipts – Every time you shop, take a second to scan your receipts using the app.
  3. Earn points – Get points with every scanned receipt.
  4. Redeem for hotel gift cards – Once you’ve earned enough points, browse the app’s reward section for hotel gift card options. Select your preferred hotel chain and redeem your points. With Fetch Rewards, you can get gift cards to places such as Airbnb, Hotels.com, Visa, and more.

While it will take some time to earn enough points, it can be a way to save some money on a hotel reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about how to stay at hotels for free.

Is it possible to get a free night at a hotel?

Yes, you may be able to get a free night at a hotel through loyalty programs, which reward you with points for free night awards that can be redeemed for free nights. Additionally, some programs may give a free night after a certain number of paid stays or as a sign-up bonus.

How to get a hotel room for free?

You may get a free hotel room through loyalty programs, credit card rewards, by earning free hotel gift cards, and more.

How can I earn free hotel stays through surveys?

You can earn points by joining market research and filling out surveys on specific websites. These points might be traded for hotel rewards points, allowing you to book hotel stays for free.

Are there contests or sweepstakes that offer chances to win a stay at a hotel?

Yes, contests and sweepstakes run by hotels, travel bloggers, or travel websites tend to have hotel stays as prizes. You can start by possibly searching related hashtags on social media, such as #giveaway.

How can I travel luxury for free?

Traveling in luxury for free can be done by maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses and rewards, leveraging elite status with hotel loyalty programs for upgrades, and possibly collaborating with luxury hotels as an influencer if you have a strong online following.

How to get a free hotel room by complaining?

If you honestly had a bad stay at a hotel, you may be able to talk to management. Sometimes, they will give you a free hotel stay to make up for the bad review. But, you should never lie about a stay just to get a free room, as you can cost someone their job.

How To Stay at Hotels for Free – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to stay at hotels for free.

There are many ways to get free hotel stays, as you learned above.

Joining hotel loyalty programs at major hotel chains is a simple way to get free night rewards. These programs give you points for staying often, and you can use these points for free hotel nights.

Travel credit cards and hotel credit cards also give rewards that can be used for hotel stays.

If you’re an influencer or booking for a group, this may result in you getting a hotel stay for free. Other ways, like joining hotel promotions, being a mystery shopper, or attending timeshare presentations, can also get you free or cheaper stays at different places.

I have personally done many of the ways listed above to get free hotel stays at places in many states and countries. The stays have been great and have allowed me to save so much money over the years!

Have you ever stayed at a hotel for free?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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Embarking on a home renovation to transform your living space is an exciting endeavor. Home improvements are also an investment that can significantly increase the value of your property, so it’s important to track expenses to be prepared for capital gains tax when you sell your home. Tracking home improvement costs can also help homeowners stick to a budget and ensure a greater return on investment.

Let’s take a closer look at how to track home improvement costs, which upgrades qualify for tax purposes, and options for financing a home renovation.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Why Track Home Improvement Costs?

Amid all the work and logistics that goes into renovations, tracking home improvement costs might not feel like a high priority. However, having documented home improvement costs can help reduce potential capital gains tax when it’s time to sell your home.

The IRS allows qualifying home improvement costs to be added to the original purchase price of the property, known as the cost basis, when calculating capital gains on a home sale. The basis is subtracted from the home sale price to determine if you’ve realized a gain and subsequently owe tax. But by adding home improvement expenses to your cost basis, the profit from the sale that’s subject to taxes decreases — lowering or even potentially exempting you from property gains tax.

Besides home improvements, other factors that affect property value, like location and the current housing market, could make a property sale subject to capital gains tax.

Here’s an example of how capital gains tax on a home sale works: A married couple that purchased a home for $200,000 in 2001 and sold it for $750,000 in 2024 would have a $550,000 realized gain. Assuming that the sellers made this home their main residence for two of the last five years, they’d be able to exclude $500,000 of the gain from taxes. The remaining $50,000 would be taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% based on the sellers’ income and how long they owned the property.

However, the sellers spent $70,000 on home improvements during their 23 years of homeownership, so the capital gains calculation would be revised to: $750,000 – ($200,000 + $70,000) = $480,000. Tracking home improvement costs in this example exempted the sellers from needing to pay capital gains taxes.

Note that single filers may exclude only the first $250,000 of realized gains from the sale of their home. Eligibility for the exclusion also requires living in the home for at least two years out of the last five years leading up to the date of sale. Those who own vacation homes should note that the IRS has very specific rules about what constitutes a main residence.
💡 Quick Tip: A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) brokered by SoFi lets you access up to $500,000 of your home’s equity (up to 90%) to pay for, well, just about anything. It could be a smart way to consolidate debts or find the funds for a big home project.

Qualifying vs Nonqualifying Improvements

The IRS sets guidelines that determine what home improvements can be added to your cost basis for calculating capital gains tax. Thus, not every dollar spent on sprucing up your home’s curb appeal or living space needs to be tracked for tax purposes. Generally, tracking costs is a good idea for any home improvements that increase your home’s value and fall outside general repair and upkeep to maintain the property’s condition.

Qualifying Improvements

According to the IRS, improvements that add value to the home, prolong its useful life, or adapt it to new uses can qualify. This includes the following categories and home improvements:

•   Home additions: Bedroom, bathroom, deck, garage, porch, or patio

•   Home systems: HVAC systems, central humidifier, central vacuum, air/water filtration systems, wiring, security systems, law and sprinkler systems.

•   Lawn & grounds: Landscaping, driveway improvements, fencing, walkways, retaining walls, and pools

•   Exterior: Storm windows, roofing, doors, siding

•   Interior: Built-in appliances, kitchen upgrades, flooring, wall-to-wall carpeting, fireplaces

•   Insulation: Attic, walls, floors, pipes, and ductwork

•   Plumbing: Septic system, water heater, soft water system, filtration system

It’s also important to track any tax credits or subsidies received for energy-related home improvements, such as solar panels or a heat pump system, since these incentives must be subtracted from the cost basis.

Recommended: How to Find a Contractor for Home Renovations and Remodeling

Nonqualifying Expenses

Owning a home requires routine maintenance and occasional repairs — think fixing a leaky pipe or mowing the lawn. And the longer you own your home, the greater the chance you reapproach past home improvements with a fresh design or modern technologies. The IRS considers regular maintenance and any home improvement that’s been later replaced as nonqualifying costs.

For instance, a homeowner could have installed wall-to-wall carpet and later swapped it out for hardwood floors. In this case, the hardwood floors would qualify, but not the carpeting.

Recommended: The Costs of Owning a Home

How to Track Your Costs

Developing a system for tracking home improvement costs depends in part on where you are in the process. Here’s how to get track home improvement costs before, during, and after a renovation project.

Before You Renovate

The average cost to renovate a house can vary from $20,000 to $80,000 based on the size of the home and type of improvements. Given this range in cost expectations, it’s helpful to create an itemized budget that estimates the cost for each improvement. It’s hardly uncommon for renovations to take more time and money than expected, so consider budgeting an extra 10-20% for the unexpected.

Your itemized budget can be leveraged for tracking home improvement costs once the project starts. Simply plug in the completion date, cost, and description for each improvement, and keep receipts, to itemize the expense as it’s incurred.

Recommended: How to Make a Budget in 5 Steps

Keep Detailed Records

Tracking home improvement costs goes beyond crunching the numbers. The IRS requires documentation to adjust the cost basis on a property. As improvements are made, catalog contractor and store receipts and take pictures before and after the work is done to document the improvements for your records. Store these records digitally in a secure and accessible location; the IRS recommends keeping records for three years after the tax return for the year in which you sell your home.

Catch Up After the Fact

Tracking home improvement costs after the work has been completed is doable, but it requires more effort. If your renovations required any building permits, your municipality should have records on file.

For other projects, start by searching your email for receipts and records can help find a paper trail and track down documentation. Reach out to contractors you worked with for copies of missing receipts or invoices. If you paid with a check or credit card, you can browse through your previous statements or contact the bank for assistance.

Consult a Tax Pro

Taxes are complicated. If you have any doubts about what improvements qualify, consult a tax professional for assistance. Homeowners who used their property as a home office or rented it for any duration could especially benefit from a tax pro. Any property depreciation that was claimed in previous tax years may need to be recaptured if the home sale price exceeds the cost basis.

Home Improvement Financing Options

Renovations and upgrades to your home can be expensive. Many homeowners use a combination of savings and financing to pay for home improvements.

•   HELOC: A Home Equity Line Of Credit lets homeowners tap into their existing equity to fund a variety of expenses, such as home improvements. With a HELOC, you can take out what you need as you need it, rather than the full amount you’re approved for, which is often 75%-85% of your home’s value. You only pay interest on the amount you draw.

•   Cash-out refinance: Some owners take out a new home loan that allows them to pay off their old mortgage but also provides them with a lump sum of cash that they can use for home repairs (or other expenses). How much cash you might be able to take will depend on the amount of equity you have in your home.

•   Personal loan: An unsecured personal loan could be a good option for quick funding that doesn’t require using your home as collateral. The interest rate and whether you qualify are largely based on your credit score.

•   Credit card: Financing a home improvement with a credit card can help earn cash back or rewards on your investment. However, these perks should be weighed against the risk of higher interest rates. If using a 0% interest credit card, crunch the numbers to ensure you can pay off the balance before the introductory offer expires.
💡 Quick Tip: You can use money you get with a cash-out refi for any purpose, including home renovations, consolidating other high-interest debts, funding a child’s education, or buying another property.

The Takeaway

Tracking home improvement costs from the start can help stick to your project budget and lead to significant tax savings when it comes time to sell your property. A HELOC is one way to fund home improvements, and may be especially useful to borrowers who aren’t sure how much money they will need for home projects. If you’re unsure whether a home improvement qualifies under the IRS rules around capital gains tax on home sales, consult a tax professional.

SoFi now offers flexible HELOCs. Our HELOC options allow you to access up to 95% of your home’s value, or $500,000, at competitively low rates. And the application process is quick and convenient.

Unlock your home’s value with a home equity line of credit brokered by SoFi.

Photo credit: iStock/Cucurudza

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

²

To obtain a home equity loan, SoFi Bank (NMLS #696891) may assist you obtaining a loan from Spring EQ (NMLS #1464945).

All loan terms, fees, and rates may vary based upon individual financial and personal circumstances and state.

You may discuss with your loan officer whether a SoFi Mortgage or a home equity loan from Spring EQ is appropriate. Please note that the SoFi member discount does not apply to Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit brokered through SoFi. Terms and conditions will apply. Before you apply for a SoFi Mortgage, please note that not all products are offered in all states, and all loans are subject to eligibility restrictions and limitations, including requirements related to loan applicant’s credit, income, property, and loan amount. Minimum loan amount is $75,000. Lowest rates are reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Products, rates, benefits, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria.

SoFi Mortgages originated through SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender. SoFi Bank, N.A. is currently NOT able to accept applications for refinance loans in NY.

In the event SoFi serves as broker to Spring EQ for your loan, SoFi will be paid a fee.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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Source: sofi.com

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Do you want to make money from your phone? I have been making money from my phone for many years now, and it’s a great way to make extra income or even a full-time income! Your phone can help you make money in many ways too. You can sell things you don’t need or use…

Do you want to make money from your phone?

I have been making money from my phone for many years now, and it’s a great way to make extra income or even a full-time income!

Your phone can help you make money in many ways too. You can sell things you don’t need or use your skills on freelance platforms. Answering surveys, selling photos, or being a virtual friend can also make you money, all from wherever you are comfortable.

Best Ways To Make Money From Your Phone

Below are the best ways to make money from your phone.

1. Answer surveys

You can earn money with your phone by answering surveys. Companies pay for your opinion, and you can do this whenever you have free time, such as when you’re just sitting on the couch watching TV with your phone in your hand.

Surveys are like a bunch of questions that companies ask to find out what you like or what you think about something. They might ask about the food you eat, the games you play, or even about your shopping habits.

You answer these questions, and in return, they give you money, points, or free gift cards (such as free Amazon gift cards) as a way to thank you for your time.

Some of the paid online survey companies I recommend are:

Here are 11 Paid Online Survey Sites if you want to learn more.

I have done many paid surveys over the years, and I love how I can answer them right from my phone and whenever I want. I can answer them while watching a video, during a lunch break, before or after work, and more.

2. Sell photos

You can use your phone to take pictures and make money. Selling stock photos is a fun way to make money through passive income without actively working for it.

Not all photographers need a fancy camera to start. Your phone can work perfectly and the newest smartphones can take great, high-quality photos. My phone can take great pictures and it wasn’t super expensive – it’s just a normal Android phone.

With stock photography, you can upload pictures you’ve taken with your camera or phone to a platform like Depositphotos. When someone buys one of your photos, you earn a commission.

Websites, companies, and blogs use stock photos for many reasons. Businesses use them to improve their content, websites, or overall appearance when they might not have the time to take all the photos they need.

I personally often use stock photos in my blog posts, and I know many others who do too. The pictures throughout this article (yes, the one that you are reading) are all stock photos.

Stock photography includes pictures of things such as:

  • Travel and landscapes
  • Business and finance, like laptops, offices, and people working
  • Family, such as parents and children
  • Household items, such as a living room and kitchen
  • Animals, such as pets and wildlife
  • Vehicles like cars and boats
  • Health and wellness, such as fitness-related images, healthy food, someone working out
  • Sports, from professional events to casual games

Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures

3. Instacart Shopper

Making money through your phone is possible with grocery and food delivery apps like Instacart. As an Instacart Shopper, you get paid to shop for groceries and deliver them to people who order online.

Getting groceries delivered is a service that lots of people are using more and more. I’ve used it a few times when I didn’t have time to go shopping or didn’t have a car.

With this job, you have the freedom to make your own schedule, and you can get paid pretty fast – sometimes the same day.

Delivering groceries is a popular side job, and all you need is a valid driver’s license, a car, and your cell phone.

You earn money for each delivery and get to keep all your tips. Platforms like Instacart and Shipt can help you make around $15 to $20 per hour.

Learn more at Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?

4. JustAnswer

JustAnswer is a site where you can make money by using your phone to help others. If you have skills or knowledge in a particular area, you can answer questions and earn cash.

JustAnswer states that you can make $2,000 to $7,000 a month as an expert answering questions online on their site.

People ask questions, and the site matches them with an expert who can answer. For example, someone might ask how to change their oil or why their cat is sick. As an expert, you’ll be answering questions and giving personalized help through text chat.

There are experts in fields like mechanics, doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, home experts, appraisers, computer and tech experts, and more.

You can work whenever you want from your computer or cell phone, and you get to choose which questions you want to answer.

To get started, apply online on JustAnswer. They’ll verify your credentials (every expert on this platform is verified by a third party and needs to have licenses, education, or employment in their field of expertise). Once approved, you’ll have a quick meeting with the JustAnswer team to learn how to use the platform.

It takes about one week to become verified, and you can receive payments through direct deposit, PayPal, or Venmo.

Recommended reading: 28 Ways To Get Paid To Text

5. DoorDash

When you want to make money with your phone, DoorDash is one way you can do that. DoorDash is a gig app where you deliver food to people.

Working with DoorDash means you’re part of the gig economy, delivering restaurant meals to customers. You have the flexibility to pick your hours and decide when and where you want to work.

Depending on your location, you can deliver food with a car or by bike.

The app is your main tool for the job, and it shows you your orders, where to go, and how to get there.

Your earnings depend on each delivery. You can make $2 to $10 or more, plus tips.

Please click here to sign up for DoorDash.

6. Fiverr

Fiverr is a way to make money from your phone as it’s an online platform where people do all sorts of online work, like writing, designing, or making videos.

Some services you can sell to make money from your phone include:

  • Chat support customer service – Manage customer service for a business as a freelancer.
  • Social media posting assistant – Help clients schedule and post content on their social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook.
  • Virtual fitness coaching – You can give fitness coaching sessions or create personalized workout plans from your phone.
  • Online language lessons – Teach language lessons through video calls or voice messages.
  • Life coaching – Share motivational messages, life advice, or coaching sessions through your phone, such as in phone calls or texts.
  • Mobile app testing – Test and give feedback on mobile apps for developers.

When someone buys your service from your listing, they pay Fiverr. Fiverr takes 20%, and you receive 80% of the funds after a 14-day pending period.

Another popular platform somewhat similar to Fiverr for freelancers is Upwork.

7. RentAFriend

If you’re looking to make money from your phone, RentAFriend could be an interesting choice. This platform allows you to get paid for being a friend.

As a RentAFriend, you might respond to text messages and have phone conversations with the person. You can be a friend in person, over video chat, or through text messages, depending on your preference.

With RentAFriend, you set your own hours and the price for your time. Earnings can range from $10 to $50 per hour, depending on what you decide.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign up on the RentAFriend website.
  2. Create a profile that shows who you are and what kinds of activities you enjoy.
  3. Once your profile is live, people can find you and request your friendship services.

People join this site to find a friend and someone to talk to, and that’s where you come in.

8. Papa app

Papa is a website where you can chat with older adults, help them around their house and with shopping, and more.

You’re simply giving them some extra support with their day-to-day tasks, and you can earn money right from your phone for some of these tasks.

As a Papa Pal, you get to set your own schedule. The amount you can earn per hour varies depending on your location.

9. BetterHelp therapist

If you’re a licensed therapist, you might like making money using your phone with BetterHelp. BetterHelp is an online platform where therapists help people.

You can work with clients by chatting, phone calls, or video calls. You’ll need good internet and a private place to talk.

As a therapist on BetterHelp, estimated earnings are around $100,000 per year for working 40 hours per week. You can also work part-time at around 5 to 15 hours per week and earn around $8,000 to $27,000 each year.

To join, they require at least 3 years of experience in therapy for adults, couples, or teens.

10. Play games on your phone

There are many money making apps where you can get paid to play games on your phone.

Game apps pay real money rewards because they earn money through ads and in-app purchases. To motivate you to keep playing their games, they share a portion of their earnings with you.

Here’s a quick list of the top game apps that pay real cash:

  1. KashKick
  2. Swagbucks
  3. InboxDollars

When selecting gaming apps to make money, it’s important to check reviews and understand how you receive your earnings. Be cautious with apps that require payment to play or promise rewards that seem too good to be true. Also, keep track of the time you spend playing games to make sure it is worth it.

Recommended reading: 23 Best Game Apps To Win Real Money

11. User Testing

UserTesting is a way you can make money by trying out websites and apps. Companies will pay you for your honest thoughts on how easy they are to use.

To participate in tests, you’ll need a computer or a smartphone, an internet connection, and a microphone. Some tests may also require a webcam.

When you test websites, you look out for things that don’t work well or can be confusing. Your feedback helps companies improve as they want real opinions, not just quick answers.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign up with a user testing site.
  2. They’ll give you tasks, like finding something on a website. Most tests take about 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. You record your screen and talk about what you’re thinking.
  4. After you’re done, you send your feedback.
  5. You get paid! You could earn around $10 per test.

Payments are usually made through online services like PayPal.

I have personally paid someone to do a UserTesting review on this site, Making Sense of Cents. It’s a great way to see what a stranger thinks of your website and they gave me tons of helpful tips and let me know what changes I should make to make my website better for readers.

12. Sell used items online

If you have stuff you don’t use anymore, selling it online can be a smart way to make some money. Your old phones, clothes, games, and books could be worth something to someone else.

And, you can do all of this right from your cell phone!

Whether you have old things around your home that you want to sell or if you want to start a reselling business, there are many apps that make it easy to sell stuff right from your phone.

Some of the best selling apps are Poshmark for clothing, Worthy for jewelry, Facebook Marketplace for local sales, and Decluttr for electronics.

I have personally sold many items over the years on various sites to make extra income. At one point, I even had a small reselling business. So, I understand firsthand how helpful these sites and apps can be!

13. Sell your data

You can earn money from your phone by selling your data through apps. These apps pay you for the data you don’t use. You might be concerned about safety, but in most cases, it is safe.

These apps usually operate in the background, helping companies understand how people use the internet. Data apps aren’t full-time jobs and you won’t get rich from them, but they can be easy side gigs.

Honeygain is one app where you can earn cash, and you get paid for data you’re not using. You just install the app, and it runs without you doing anything extra.

You receive payment based on the amount of traffic passing through your connection, with Honeygain paying $1 for every 10 GB of traffic.

14. Instagrammer

If you love sharing photos and videos, Instagram can be a great way for you to make some extra money with your social media accounts.

I have made income from Instagram over the years, and while it’s not my full-time income, it is a fun way to make money from my phone.

This is because you can start an Instagram on whatever niche you want, such as fitness, travel, fashion, family, and more. So, you may be able to have a lot of fun managing and growing your social media account.

Then, you’ll want to make sure you regularly share high-quality content, use relevant tags, post reels, and interact with your audience to steadily increase your follower count.

15. Get paid to walk

You can actually make money just by walking! There are apps that track your steps and reward you for staying active. You can download these to your phone, start walking, and watch your steps turn into rewards.

Sweatcoin is one app you might like. If you’re over 13 and have a smartphone, you can join. It changes your walking into points that you can use. You can get stuff like gift cards or even support charities.

Getting paid is easy:

  1. Join an app – Sign up for an app that fits you.
  2. Walk and collect – Carry your phone and collect points as you walk.
  3. Earn rewards – Swap your points for things like money to PayPal or cool products.

Some apps might hook up to a fitness tracker. This way, if your phone isn’t with you, you won’t miss out on any steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about how to make money from your phone.

How can I use my phone to make money?

You can make money on your phone by selling things you no longer need on apps like Decluttr or through your own store on platforms like Shopify. You could also complete online surveys, sign up for market research, or perform tasks on gig economy apps.

How can I make passive income on my phone?

One way to make passive income from your phone is to sell stock photography. You could take pictures from your phone, and then sell them over and over again online!

How can teenagers earn money using mobile apps?

Teenagers can earn money from their phones in their spare time by taking online surveys, performing tasks, selling products online, or using apps that reward users for maintaining good habits, like staying active.

How can I make $100 a day on my phone?

There are many ways to make $100 a day from your phone, such as selling items online and signing up for gig jobs like Instacart.

What are the quickest ways to make money on your phone?

The fastest ways to make money with your phone include taking surveys, using cash back shopping apps (because you may shop online a lot already!), playing games that have real rewards, and delivering groceries or meals with gig apps.

How can I learn how to make money with my phone without any investment?

There are many ways to make money from your phone for free, such as answering surveys, selling items that you already own (such as old clothing that you no longer wear, CDs, DVDs, or old devices that you don’t use anymore), driving for Uber, delivering groceries with Instacart, and more.

What apps can I use to make money with my phone?

Apps like Instacart, Papa, and Uber are all good ways to make side hustle money with your phone. There are many other ways that I didn’t mention above that are good options, such as Fetch Rewards (scan your receipt from grocery shopping), Acorns (micro-investing app for your spare change), Ibotta (a grocery shopping app), Neighbor (rent out your storage), Lyft (drive others around), TaskRabbit (sell your handyperson services, such as building furniture), OfferUp (selling stuff that you no longer need), and Rakuten (get cash back on your online shopping).

These apps are available on both Google Play stores and the iOS app store.

How To Make Money From Your Phone – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on the many ways to make money from your phone.

As you can see from the above, there are many ways to make extra cash from your phone, from part-time gigs to full-time income. Whether you have an Android or Apple phone, there are many ways on the list above that you may want to try out.

What do you think is the best way to make money with a phone?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a rule Tuesday to slash credit card late fees in a move the agency says should save millions of credit card users an average of $220 per year. The decision drew immediate objection from banking trade groups.

The government agency reduced the typical credit card late fee from $32 to $8, which should translate to more than $10 billion in annual savings among the roughly 45 million consumers who are charged late fees.

“For over a decade, credit card giants have been exploiting a loophole to harvest billions of dollars in junk fees from American consumers,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in a statement, asserting that the new rule will end these practices.

The lower fees are expected to take effect within three months, which would give card issuers time to update their disclosures and systems. It’s unclear how possible challenges to the rule could affect the timing.

Rule halts late fees’ steady climb since 2010

The rule, which was proposed in 2023, closes a loophole in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009.

The CARD Act banned credit card companies from charging higher late fees than needed to cover the companies’ costs associated with the late payment. But in 2010, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors voted to include a provision in the CARD Act that allowed banks to charge no more than $25 for the first late payment and $35 for subsequent late payments, with both of those figures being adjusted for inflation each year.

Today, those figures have swelled to $30 and $41, respectively, despite credit card companies having adopted cheaper business practices in recent years, the CFPB said in a statement. The average credit card late fee was $32 in 2022, up from $23 in 2010.

“Almost all of the credit card giants have been hiking these fees every year using automatic inflation adjustments as an excuse,” Chopra said in a call Monday announcing the CFPB’s new rule. “Today, the credit card industry hauls in more than $14 billion in late fee revenue, which our research shows is more than five times the companies’ associated costs.”

The rule applies to large credit card companies with more than 1 million open accounts. These companies hold more than 95% of open credit card balances, the CFPB said in the statement.

Find the right credit card for your wallet

Check out NerdWallet’s picks for the best credit cards across categories such as travel, cash back, and 0 APR.

Industry trade groups speak out against the rule

Banking industry executives slammed the new rule. Rob Nichols, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association (ABA) said in a statement that the new CFPB rule “relied on flawed assumptions and a mischaracterization of the important role late fees play in promoting responsible consumer behavior.”

Adding that the ABA will try to challenge the new policy, Nichols said, “This rule should not be allowed to go into effect.”

Lindsey Johnson, president and CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association, said in a statement that the new rule is “normalizing being late on credit card payments” and ultimately puts consumers’ financial health at risk.

A crackdown on junk fees

The CFPB’s latest announcement follows a similar move earlier in the year on overdraft fees, signaling a concerted crackdown on junk fees from federal officials and regulators.

In January, the agency proposed restrictions that could lower the average overdraft fee from $35 to $3 per transaction. Banking industry advocates spoke out fiercely against this proposal too. The restriction is currently expected to go into effect in October 2025.

The Biden administration will soon announce a “strike force” intended to “hold companies accountable when they engage in unfair and illegal practices that keep prices high,” Lael Brainard, director of the National Economic Council, said on the Monday call with Chopra.

The force is part of the administration’s efforts to lower the cost of groceries, prescription drugs and health care, banking, housing, airfare and basic utilities. It’ll be jointly led by the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice.

In conjunction with those efforts, the Federal Communications Commission will also tackle “bulk billing,” in which people living or working in a building are charged by landlords or building owners for internet, cable or satellite service, whether they want the service or not.

(Photo by Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images)

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Whether you’re planning on hitting the road for spring or summer break or launching yourself into home improvement projects, Discover’s bonus categories for the second quarter of 2024 can offer some value for your spending.

From April 1 through June 30, 2024, holders of eligible cards like the Discover it® Cash Back and Discover it® Student Cash Back can earn 5% cash back at gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores and on public transit, on up to $1,500 in combined spending for the quarter. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. Activation is required to be eligible for the higher rewards rate.

Here’s what you need to know about which purchases qualify.

Discover bonus rewards categories for 2024

Q1 (Jan. 1–March 31)

  • Restaurants.

  • Drugstores.

Q2 (April 1–June 30)

  • Gas stations/EV charging stations.

  • Home improvement stores.

  • Public transit.

Q3 (July 1–Sept. 30)

  • TBD (In 2023: Gas stations; digital wallets).

Q4 (Oct. 1–Dec. 31)

  • TBD (In 2023: Amazon, Target).

Discover’s Q2 bonus categories unpacked

Discover’s 5% categories come with terms. For the second quarter of 2024, here’s what will qualify:

Gas stations and EV charging stations

To earn the bonus rate, a purchase must be classified as made with a place that sells automotive gasoline or offers an electric vehicle charging station to the public. When you’re on the go, those purchases made at the pump or inside the gas station may also qualify for the elevated rewards rate.

Some purchases may not qualify, such as those made at supermarkets, supercenters, wholesale clubs and parking garages.

Public transit

Eligible public transit purchases that earn 5% back will include passenger buses, railways, ferries, taxis and rideshare services made in the U.S. Long-range passenger land, rail and water transportation services won’t qualify.

Home improvement stores

If you’re planning some home renovation projects or need to stock up on supplies, you can earn more value by doing it within Discover’s promotional window.

Eligible purchases will include those made online and in store at home improvement stores; building supply stores like lumber, paint and hardware stores; and lawn, nursery and garden supply stores. Purchases made through third parties like contractors may not qualify to earn 5% back. And purchases made at stores that offer home furnishings, home appliances, plumbing, heating supply and floor coverings won’t qualify.

Maximizing Discover’s Q2 bonus categories for 2024

To make the most of your bonus categories for the quarter, don’t forget these steps:

  • Log in to your Discover account to activate the bonus categories. 

  • Use your Discover card for any purchases you make in those categories. 

  • Track spending to know when or whether you’ve reached the $1,500 spending limit. (You can view an automated tracker while signed in to your Discover account.)

Considering the Discover it® Cash Back?

The Discover it® Cash Back card can be a worthy contender for your wallet if you’re organized enough to keep track of bonus categories that change every quarter and require activation. It’ll also work best if you’re not in the habit of maintaining a monthly balance, as the card’s steep interest charges will chip away at the value of rewards.

The card’s features include:

Annual fee: $0.

APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.24%-28.24% Variable APR.

Sign-up bonus: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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When spending money on an expensive plane ticket, it can be confusing if you need to change plans and are hoping for a refund.

If you booked a flight on Emirates and now you can’t travel, you might be wondering how to make an Emirates refund request. The process is easy — as long as you booked the right type of ticket.

Let’s take a look at how you can determine refund eligibility, how to request a refund and how long it might take to receive the funds.

Emirates refund policy

Airlines sell different fare products at different price points. This goes beyond the simple cabin categories (economy, business or first, for example).

Within each cabin class, there are numerous other fare types that have different change and cancellation policies. This is an important consideration when booking a ticket, especially if you think you might need to change your plans later.

These details are outlined in the your Emirates ticket’s fare conditions. Depending on the ticket you book, you may be able to get a full Emirates ticket refund, a travel credit to use within 24 months for a future flight or no refund at all.

If your ticket is eligible, the amount you receive will vary based on if you’ve used the ticket or already flown on part of it. Unused tickets receive a full refund, while partially used tickets may only receive a prorated refund, if any at all.

Here are some more details from the Emirates’ cancellation policy:

  • Flex Plus fares. Flex Plus fares with Emirates are fully refundable, while most other fares have conditions that make them non-refundable or that convert them to a travel credit if unused.

  • Award flights. If you used Skywards miles for your trip, you can cancel it for a full refund before traveling. There’s a $25 fee for date changes for a Saver reward (free for Flex or Flex Plus awards), or a $75 fee to redeposit Classic Saver mileage tickets altogether (free for Flex or Flex Plus awards).

  • Cash + Miles fares. For Cash+Miles tickets, miles will be refunded — although if any expired during the purchase period, those will be forfeited. For trips that have been partially flown, the ticket would be re‑priced with only the unused portion of Cash+Miles refunded.

What if Emirates cancels or changes my flight, can I get a refund?

If Emirates cancels or changes your flight for mechanical, operational or weather reasons, you can request your money back as a refund or receive a future travel credit.

Most likely, Emirates will try to get you to your destination in a reasonable time frame on another airline if it cannot transport you, but the option for a refund is available if you simply choose not to travel at all. If you have partially flown on the ticket, you would only be refunded for the unused portion of the flight.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Based on local regulations, you may be eligible for compensation due to involuntary changes to your flight made within 14 days of your trip.

Flights departing Europe have EU-261 protections that could put some additional cash back in your pocket beyond the refund itself. However, flights inbound to Europe on a non-European carrier are not eligible for that EU-261 protection.

Can I get a refund for incidental expenses?

If your ticket is eligible for a refund and you didn’t travel, you can request your money back for any seat assignments or lounge access you might have paid for before departure.

If you did travel, but were unable to use the services provided (say, there was a change of aircraft and your seat was swapped, or the lounge wasn’t available), you can use the Emirates refund form to request your money back.

If you were downgraded to a lower cabin (like from business to premium economy), you’re eligible for a refund for the difference in fare, too.

How will my refund be processed?

Any funds will be returned to the original form of payment. If you booked your ticket via a travel agent, you will need to contact them to process the refund. They will then return the money back to your original form of payment.

If you used a third-party travel booking site like Orbitz or Expedia, you would need to contact them directly. These can be far more cumbersome processes than dealing directly with the airline as they may have their own policies in place.

How to complete the Emirates refund form

Requesting a refund from Emirates is a simple process as long as you have the right information on hand. Luckily, you can find everything you need on your original ticket receipt.

  • Enter your dates of travel, departure and arrival airports and personal details.

  • Choose what you’re requesting a refund for (for example, an unused ticket or downgrade).

  • Enter the ticket details and payment method.

  • Click submit. Keep in mind that this will automatically cancel your ticket.

Emirates doesn’t provide a way to check the status of your refund, but the process typically takes seven business days. If you still haven’t heard anything after a week, you can contact Emirates directly to ask about the status.

Emirates’ refunds, recapped

Like most airlines, Emirates has fare restrictions that don’t make every ticket refundable. But, there are many that are eligible for a refund. There may also be cases in which you didn’t receive the services you paid for, and those are also refundable.

If your ticket isn’t eligible for a refund, you might be able to keep the credit for a future travel date. If you are due a refund, you’ll be able to request one using the online form on Emirates’ website.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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From Feb. 22 to May 22, 2024, certain American Express cardholders can earn elevated rewards if they refer a friend for their own AmEx card, and that person applies and is approved by May 22.

AmEx cardholders who meet the promotion requirements will get an additional 10x Membership Rewards or 10% cash back per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide. The new rewards rates are valid for 3 months, or up to $25,000 in purchases. (Terms apply.)

AmEx cardholders with the following cards are eligible for this offer:

Thanks to American Express’ flexible referral rules, referral recipients aren’t restricted to applying for a card within the same family as the referring friend. For example, if you receive a referral from someone with an AmEx card that earns cash back or Membership Rewards, you may apply for any personal or business AmEx card. However, when the referring cardholder has a co-branded card such as the Delta Gold, the referral recipient may apply only for a co-branded card in the same family.

Is this a good deal?

Earning an extra 10x rewards or 10% more cash back is a great opportunity, especially when those rewards can be had with minimal effort: Sending a referral is as easy as clicking a few buttons online or within the AmEx app. As long as the recipient is approved for the card they apply for, you’ll get that temporary rewards boost.

Say you have the American Express® Gold Card, which earns 4x Membership Rewards at restaurants. If you meet the terms of the referral offer, you’ll earn a stunning 14x on dining. Terms apply.

Those rewards can be redeemed in a number of ways, but you’ll likely get the better value by transferring them to one of AmEx’s travel partners. NerdWallet estimates that 1 Membership Reward is worth 2 cents when transferred.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, see this page.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Many of us are looking for ways to trim our grocery bills, and for good reason: Americans spent about $5,700 a year on food at home in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While earning more rewards on grocery purchases can help, the Meijer credit card unfortunately falls short, even for loyalists of the Michigan-based retailer. Issued by Citibank, the Meijer card’s rewards rate is a shade higher than 1%, but any potential savings can easily be negated by the card’s outrageous interest rate.

For better options, check out our list of best credit cards for groceries, some of which earn as much as 6% cash back. Admittedly, the cards with the best rates require at least good credit (690 and above) to qualify, but there are solid options on the market for lower credit scores, too, such as the Citi Double Cash® Card.

1. There are two versions of the card

If your Meijer credit card application is approved, you’ll end up with one of two versions of the card:

  • The Meijer Card. A closed-loop card, it can only be used at Meijer grocery stores and gas stations.

  • The Meijer Mastercard. As an open-loop card, it can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. 

A Citi representative confirmed that creditworthiness is a factor in determining which card an applicant receives.

2. Rewards are underwhelming

Many credit cards earn rewards based on certain spending categories. You might find a card that earns 4x points on dining and another that gets 3% cash back on gas. The Meijer card keeps things much simpler, though this simplicity comes at a price in the form of meager rewards.

Meijer cardholders get a $10 reward for every $750 spent with the card, which works out to an earnings rate of 1.33% cash back on every purchase. It’s not hard to find a card that earns more. If you had the Citi Custom Cash® Card, for example, you could get 5% cash back at grocery stores as long as that’s your highest spending area for the month. (The 5% rate applies up to $500 per billing cycle; after that, the card earns 1%.)

Rewards earned with the Meijer credit card are issued either as paper or digital certificates; the former expires 60 days from the issue date while the latter expires after 45 days. Furthermore, those $10 rewards certificates can’t be redeemed on alcohol, prescriptions, gift cards, store pickup orders and home delivery orders.

3. The sign-up bonus is skimpy

As of February 2024, the Meijer card has a sign-up bonus, albeit a really small one. New cardholders can get up to $50 off a Meijer purchase. They’ll get a $10 discount off the first in-store purchase made within 30 days of account opening, plus an additional $40 off if that purchase is made by March 2, 2024. There’s no minimum purchase requirement to get the sign-up bonus.

For a better welcome offer, consider this one from Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply. And the Blue Cash Everyday earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases; 1% thereafter. Terms apply.

To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please visit this page.

4. The interest rate is sky-high

As of January 2024, the purchase APR on the Meijer card was 34.24%, more than 10 percentage points higher than the average APR on interest-accruing credit cards in November 2023, according to the Federal Reserve. That means that carrying a balance on the Meijer card can be costlier than on other cards.

To avoid paying interest on any credit card, pay off balances in full whenever possible.

5. Cardholders get a small discount on gas

You’ll get 10 cents off every gallon when you fill up at a Meijer gas station and pay with a Meijer credit card. Those savings aren’t terribly exciting on their own; however, the discount from the Meijer card is stackable with points earned through mPerks, Meijer’s loyalty program. Members of mPerks earn 10 points for every $1 spent at Meijer stores and 1,000 points for every qualifying prescription filled.

The information related to the Meijer credit cards has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.

Source: nerdwallet.com