Dining version | Travel version | Dining & Travel version (bear in mind these offers are targeted – For anyone that wants to check, when you go to your Apple Card in the Wallet app, hit the top right button with the three dots, and then Daily Cash)
Apple card sent out various spending offers for Dining and some people got for Travel as well:
Through September 20th, get 5% total Daily Cash Back every time you use Apple Card on dining purchases, on up to $6,000 in total spend depending on your Apple Card payment type. See offer terms for full details and exclusions.
Through September 20th, get 5% total Daily Cash back, on up to $20,000 in total travel spend and up to $6,000 in total dining spend depending on your Apple Card payment method. See offer terms for full details and exclusions.
Earn 5% back on up to $2,000 in total qualifying dining purchases at Panera and Uber Eats when using Apple Pay.
Earn 5% back on up to $2,000 in total qualifying dining purchases when using Apple Pay.
or Earn 5% back on up to $12,000 in total qualifying dining purchases when using Apple Pay.
Earn 5% back on up to $2,000 in total qualifying dining purchases with virtual online number or titanium card.
or Earn 5% back on up to $12,000 in total qualifying dining purchases with virtual online number or titanium card.
The Fine Print
Offer is limited to the select Apple Card account holder who directly received this offer. No need to enroll.
Valid from August 21, 2023, to September 20, 2023.
Earn a total of 5% Daily Cash back on up to $6,000 in total qualifying dining purchases made with your Apple Card depending on your payment method.
Qualifying dining purchases include those made with Apple Card at restaurants, cocktail lounges, discotheques, nightclubs, taverns, bars, eligible delivery services, and fast food restaurants.
The total Daily Cash back that can be earned with this offer is $300, depending on your payment method.
Dining purchases at Bonus Daily Cash Merchants with Apple Pay: you will earn 5% back on up to $2,000 in total qualifying dining purchases at Panera and Uber Eats when using Apple Pay. 5% Daily Cash is not available at Panera locations outside the U.S. and excludes orders made on third-party apps, plastic gift card purchases made online, and gift cards purchased through the Bulk Gift Card program. The maximum Daily Cash you can earn in this category is $100. The 5% Daily Cash earn rate includes the 3% standard earn rate for purchases made using Apple Pay plus and an additional 2% bonus earn;
Dining purchases at non-Bonus Daily Cash Merchants with Apple Pay: you will earn 5% back on up to $2,000 in total qualifying dining purchases when using Apple Pay. The maximum Daily Cash you can earn in this category is $100. The 5% Daily Cash earn rate includes the 2% standard earn rate for purchases made using Apple Pay plus an additional 3% bonus earn;
Dining purchases made with virtual online number or titanium card: you will earn 5% back on up to $2,000 in total qualifying dining purchases with virtual online number or titanium card. The maximum Daily Cash you can earn in this category is $100. The 5% Daily Cash earn rate includes the 1% standard earn rate for purchases made using virtual online number or titanium card plus an additional 4% bonus earn.
Qualifying purchases can only be made by the Apple Card account holder who directly received this offer. This means any purchases made by Apple Card Family members will not be included towards the Apple Card account holder’s qualifying spend.
Merchants are assigned a merchant category code (MCC) by the credit card network based on its primary line of business. Web mapping platforms such as Apple Maps and similar services, may label or refer to a merchant as a restaurant or dining related establishment however, for the purposes of this promotion, qualifying dining purchases are determined based on the MCC reported by the merchant. Purchases made with merchants that provide dining related goods or services such as restaurants or bars located within another establishment (e.g., inside a hotel, casino, amusement parks, airport, or event venue), at cafeterias, catering, vending machines, convenience stores, food courts, and food trucks may not qualify for this offer if a merchant does not submit transactions using the anticipated MCC associated with qualifying dining categories.
Our Verdict
These are nice earn rates, just beware of the $2,000/$12,000 limits. The Dining version seems to have been more widely sent out than the Dining + Travel version.
Want to learn how to get free Apple gift cards? Here are 13 ways.
Want to learn how to get free Apple gift cards?
Who wouldn’t want to receive Apple gift cards for free? After all, you can use an Apple gift card for buying a laptop, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iCloud, and more. In this article, I’ll share several methods to help you earn Apple gift cards all from home.
Many websites allow you to earn free Apple gift cards by completing simple tasks, scanning your grocery receipt, or participating in market research. These platforms don’t only provide Apple gift cards; some also offer other free gift cards like Visa or Amazon.
Now, before you think this isn’t possible. I have personally earned over 100 free gift cards over the years and it’s always nice to use a free gift card to pay for something that I want.
Related content:
How to Earn Free Apple Gift Cards
Today, I will be talking about the different ways you can earn free Apple gift cards. By spending your time on these sites and apps, you can earn rewards and points that can be traded for gift cards.
Here’s a quick list before we begin:
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular rewards platform where you can earn points (called Swagbucks or SBs) by completing tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, or playing games. The earned points can be redeemed for various gift cards, including Apple Store gift cards (and even Google Play gift cards).
I have been using Swagbucks for years, and I have earned over 105 gift cards for free so far. It is easy to earn points and the site is very easy to use.
How Swagbucks works:
Click here to sign up for free for Swagbucks (and receive a $10 bonus).
Start collecting points by answering surveys, using their search engine, playing games, using coupons, and more.
After you’ve collected enough points, you can redeem them for Apple gift cards. (as well as many other options).
2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is an app that allows you to earn points by scanning receipts from grocery stores. The points earned can be redeemed for Apple gift cards and other rewards.
I use Fetch Rewards every single time I go to the grocery store. It takes less than a minute to use and earn points, so it’s a no-brainer. My routine involves visiting the grocery store and shopping as usual. No need to open the Fetch Rewards app beforehand. After shopping, I check out, and upon getting home, I open the app on my phone and take a photo of my receipt. Fetch Rewards swiftly scans and credits my account with points – a quick and easy process!
Here is how Fetch Rewards works:
Purchase items in your usual manner, whether online or in physical stores.
Capture an image of your receipt using your phone when you’ve finished shopping.
Accumulate points through Fetch Rewards.
You can sign up for Fetch Rewards by clicking here.
3. Honey
Honey is a browser extension that automatically applies coupon codes when you shop online.
Honey is a little secret weapon for online shopping. Imagine shopping like you usually do, and right at checkout, Honey swoops in to find and apply the best coupon codes for you.
Later on, you can turn those points into free Apple gift cards. And guess what? It’s super simple – just two clicks! Oh, and the best part? It won’t cost you a dime – it’s totally free!
You can learn more about Honey here.
4. American Consumer Opinion
American Consumer Opinion is a market research company that rewards users for sharing their opinions through online surveys. Once your earnings reach a certain threshold, you can redeem them for gift cards or cash.
Signing up won’t cost you a thing, and you can earn $1 to $5 (the longer surveys pay more!). They’ve given out a whopping $35 million+ to survey takers, with 20 million surveys posted. And guess what? They’ve got a massive community of 7 million+ members!
Click here to sign up for American Consumer Opinion.
5. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a dedicated survey platform where you can earn points by taking part in daily surveys. These points can be exchanged for Apple gift card codes or other rewards like PayPal money or prepaid Visa debit cards.
Answering three surveys daily on Survey Junkie will earn you around $40 a month.
Companies pay for opinions and online surveys because they are trying to figure out what they can do to improve their products and company. Sometimes, they even use feedback to create whole new products to fill a need. Paid online surveys are extremely helpful for a company, as you can see.
You can sign up for Survey Junkie by clicking here.
6. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is another survey platform where you can earn points by answering questions, which can later be redeemed for free gift cards. The surveys typically take 5-15 minutes to complete, and your feedback helps improve a company and/or their product.
They’re all about online surveys that pay you, ranging from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey. And here’s the kicker: joining up is absolutely free, just like I always suggest.
Now, here’s the cool part – Branded Surveys has showered their members with over $39 million in rewards. Impressive, right? And the cherry on top? They’ve got a treasure trove of 100+ free gift card options, such as free Apple gift cards.
You can sign up for Branded Surveys by clicking here.
7. Prize Rebel
Prize Rebel is a platform that offers a wide array of tasks to complete for rewards points. These tasks include surveys, watching videos, and even signing up for offers. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for Apple gift cards or other rewards.
What makes Prize Rebel shine? It’s a global party! Whether you’re in the U.S. or beyond, they’ve got room for you. No more location troubles! You can use Prize Rebel from almost any country in the world. However, surveys are not available to every country, but there are still other ways to earn points on this website such as by completing offer walls and referring new members.
And the cherry on top? They’ve shared over $29 million in cash and free gift card rewards since 2007. Time to snag those rewards, my friend!
You can sign up for Prize Rebel by clicking here.
8. User Interviews
Listen up, because User Interviews is a standout in this lineup! It’s not your usual online survey spot – it’s a market research game changer. They pay much higher than the average survey site.
User Interviews is a platform that connects researchers with participants to conduct studies. By participating in these studies (usually in the form of interviews), you can earn cash, which can be used to buy Apple gift cards or other items.
You can earn $50 to $100 per hour or even more by sharing your insights on User Interviews on a variety of topics. Average payout? A sweet $65. These discussions happen over the phone or via video calls, with interviewers asking the questions. And guess what? They kickstart 2,000+ studies monthly, and they’ve rewarded over 87,000 folks in just the past year.
Click here to sign up for User Interviews.
9. Upside
Upside is a cash back rewards platform specifically for gas purchases. By using the app to find and purchase gas, you can earn cash back that can be redeemed for gift cards, such as for free iTunes gift cards.
This nifty phone app puts cash in your pocket whenever you hit up specific gas stations listed in their app. Now, not every single gas station will show up in the app, so you do need to do a little more work to get points (such as by going to a different gas station than normal).
Here’s how it works: Open the app to find nearby gas stations. Now, the fun part: you could score up to $0.25 per gallon cash back on gas! And the rewards don’t stop there. You can turn those earnings into cold hard cash in your bank or score awesome free gift cards.
You can sign up for Upside here.
10. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is another well-known platform that pays users for completing surveys, watching videos, reading emails, and even shopping online. You can cash out your earnings in the form of Apple gift cards or other popular options.
Most of their surveys pay around $0.50 to $5.00 and take 3 to 25 minutes to answer. The longer the survey, generally the more money it pays.
By signing up for InboxDollars via this link, you can get a free $5 sign-up bonus.
11. Ibotta App
Ibotta is a cash back app that gives you money when you shop, such as at a grocery store. By using the app and uploading your receipts after you’re done shopping, you can earn cash back on your purchases, which can be redeemed for Apple gift cards. I use Ibotta all the time and it is a great app!
Here’s how Ibotta works:
Step one: Get the app.
Step two: Browse available offers at the store you are planning to shop at.
Step three: Scan your receipt after you’re done shopping.
Ibotta is similar to Fetch Rewards, but there is a little more work involved. To get points on Ibotta, you will have to go to the app before you go to the grocery store and select the deals that you plan on buying. But, you are usually able to earn more points on Ibotta. The great thing about the two is that you can use the same receipts on both apps – so you can earn as many points as possible.
12. MyPoints
MyPoints is another rewards platform similar to Swagbucks, where you can earn points for shopping, playing games, and taking surveys. The points can be redeemed for Apple gift cards, Walmart gift cards, and more.
MyPoints has been featured in The New York Times, ABC News, Yahoo, and more.
They have given out more than $236 million in gift cards and PayPal cash since 1996.
Sign up for MyPoints here.
13. Referral Programs
By participating in various referral programs, usually by referring friends to a specific site or product, you can earn rewards points or cash that can be exchanged for Apple gift cards.
If you’re a fan of a website, service, or product, it’s worth checking if they have a referral program. You might score some awesome rewards while spreading the love!
How to Redeem Apple Gift Card Codes
So, you’ve redeemed your points and received an Apple gift card code. What’s next?
Apple Gift Cards can be used at the Apple Store, the Apple Store app, Apple.com, the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Books. So, you have a lot of options as you can see!
If it’s a physical gift card that you were given, then you will need to find the 16-digit code on the back of your Apple gift card or iTunes gift card. If your code is via email, you will have to simply just grab the code from the email that you receive. This code is important for redeeming the value of your gift card. Then, you will go to the App Store or the Apple website to redeem your gift card.
Also, quick note: you don’t need to have a current Apple account to use a free gift card. You can use your free gift card in-person at an Apple store (such as one at a mall near you).
But, if you want to redeem your free Apple gift card code via the online App Store, you will simply use your Apple device, such as a Mac, iPad, or iPhone and follow these instructions:
How to redeem a free Apple e-gift card on a Mac:
Open the App Store on your computer.
Click your name or the sign-in button.
Click Redeem Gift Card and follow the instructions.
If you have trouble redeeming the card with the camera, you can also enter your gift card code manually.
How to redeem a free Apple e-gift card on an iPad or iPhone:
Open the App Store on your device.
Click on your profile picture.
Scroll down to Redeem Gift Card or Code and follow the instructions.
After you successfully redeem your gift card, the balance will automatically be added to your Apple ID account. You can now use this credit to purchase Apple products like Macs, iPads, AirPods, and accessories. This area will also show you your Apple account balance so that you know how much you have left.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Apple Gift Cards
Here are answers to common questions about how to get an Apple gift card for free.
How can I get a free Apple gift card?
You can get a free Apple gift card by signing up on the websites above. These websites will pay you to complete a variety of tasks like answering paid surveys, watching videos and movies, or shopping online through their site. In return, they give you points that can be redeemed for Apple gift cards.
How can I get a $15 iTunes gift card code for free?
To get a $15 iTunes gift card for free, you can participate in tasks or activities on the many different sites above. These websites above give you rewards for shopping online, answering surveys, scanning your grocery receipts, and more. By earning points, you can redeem free Apple card codes for the amount you want, such as $15. Most websites will have a minimum that you can redeem as well.
What are some ways to earn free Apple gift cards online?
Some ways to earn free Apple gift cards online include participating in surveys, watching videos, shopping, or using cashback websites. Sites like Swagbucks, MyPoints, InboxDollars, and Rakuten can help you get free gift cards by earning points which you can redeem for Apple gift cards later.
Are there any apps that help in getting free iTunes gift card codes?
Yes, several apps help you to get free iTunes gift card codes. Swagbucks and Fetch Rewards are examples of apps that reward you with points for completing all different kinds of tasks. You can redeem your points for free iTunes gift card codes.
Where can I find free Apple gift card codes without taking surveys?
Okay, I get it – there are a lot of survey companies on this list! Finding free Apple gift card codes without signing up for a survey site can be a bit challenging, as most websites offering gift cards usually require participation in surveys, focus groups, or product testing. However, you can try using an app like Fetch Rewards, which gives you points for scanning your grocery receipts.
Do giveaways or contests offer a chance to win Apple gift cards?
Yes, you can win free Apple gift cards by entering giveaways and contests. These types of giveaways can be found on social media or websites, and participation often involves simple things that you need to do like following an account, sharing posts, or leaving a comment. You can start by simply searching #giveaway on social media. There are also giveaway websites that you can search for on Google that lists giveaways from around the web.
Are there any websites with free iTunes gift card email delivery?
When you earn a free iTunes gift card through many of the websites above, they typically give you the gift card code via email. Once you have enough points to redeem a gift card, the website will send you the gift card code through email, which you can use to add credit to your Apple account. Using your e-gift cards is very easy and quick! I have done it over 100 times.
How To Get Free Apple Gift Cards – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get Apple gift cards for free. As you can see, there are many great options! Many of the sites above will give you several different gift card options other than Apple as well, such as free Visa gift cards, Amazon gift cards, and more.
Here’s a list of the different ways you can earn free Apple gift card codes:
Have you ever earned free Apple gift cards? Did you know that this was possible?
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers 3% cash back on your choice of one category, up to $2,500 in spending each quarter. (That’s worth up to 5.25% if you are a relationship customer.) They’ve now expanded two of the categories:
Gas category now includes EV charging stations
Online shopping category now includes cable, streaming, internet, and phone plan
If you use your credit card for everything, from paying bills to ordering takeout to booking trips, you put yourself at risk for fraudsters to steal your credit card information.
One way to protect your sensitive information is to put a freeze on your credit report. A credit freeze provides you with an extra layer of security because it prevents anyone from running a hard inquiry on your report or potentially opening a new line of credit without your permission.
But at some point you might want to open a new credit card or apply for a loan. So how do you unlock a credit freeze? In this guide, you’ll learn all about how to unfreeze credit.
💡 Quick Tip: A SoFi cash-back credit card is a great way to earn rewards without a complicated redemption process. Even better, SoFi doesn’t place limits on the amount of cash-back rewards you can earn.
What Does it Mean to Unfreeze Credit?
When you freeze your credit report, you can’t open a new line of credit, whether that’s a credit card, mortgage, auto loan, or something else. At the same time, no one can run a hard inquiry on your credit report — so lenders, landlords, even potential employers can’t access it. While there are limits on who can legally look at your credit report, a credit freeze can provide peace of mind that no one can open an account in your name.
When you unfreeze your credit, it’s like you’re turning back on the credit report. Once your credit is unfrozen, you can once again open a new line of credit, and lenders can run a hard pull on your report.
Unlimited 2% cash back rewards*
Earn 3% cash back on up to $12,000 in purchases your first year when you set up direct deposit through SoFi.** After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on everything.*
How a Credit Freeze Works
Also known as a security freeze, a credit freeze restricts access to your credit file. Credit freezes don’t happen automatically. You have to reach out to each of the three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — to ask for a credit freeze. Thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, if you request a credit freeze over the phone or online, the credit bureaus are required to freeze your report within 24 hours. If you send the request via mail, they have up to three business days.
When you make a credit freeze request, each bureau will give you a PIN (personal identification number) or password that you need when you decide to lift the freeze.
A credit freeze is often confused with a credit lock, but they’re two separate things. A credit lock is a service you sign up for, and there’s usually a subscription fee. It’s similar to a credit freeze as you block access from most lenders. However, you can freeze or unfreeze it at any time on your phone or computer, and you don’t have to wait for it to go into effect.
A credit freeze is free, and you have to go through the credit bureaus to thaw your credit, and it takes about an hour to go into effect.
Types of Credit Freeze Lifts
At some point you may think about unlocking your credit freeze. When the time comes, there are two main types of credit freeze lifts:
Temporary lift
A temporary lift will unfreeze your credit report for a designated time period. You can choose how long you’d like your credit to be thawed, but it’s typically anywhere from one to 30 days.
You can thaw your credit freeze temporarily to apply for new credit, take out a loan, or apply to rent an apartment. But once you’re done with that financial task, the freeze restarts.
Permanent lift
A permanent lift will thaw your credit freeze for an indefinite amount of time. You might want to go this route if you don’t want to go through the steps of freezing and unfreezing your credit and find that the trouble isn’t worth the benefits.
Recommended: How to Read and Understand Your Credit Report
Ways to Unfreeze Credit Using Bureaus
How do you unfreeze your credit? You just need to contact each of the credit bureaus. You can do it in one of three ways:
• Phone: If you request a lift by phone, the credit bureaus are required to thaw your credit within an hour.
• Online: If you make the request online, your credit freeze will also be lifted within the hour.
• Mail: You can also request a credit thaw by mail. If you go this route, expect the lift to happen within three business days.
Recommended: How to Dispute a Credit Report and Win Your Case
When You Should Unfreeze Your Credit
Generally, you need to unfreeze your credit anytime someone needs to review your credit report, like if you’re opening a new line of credit or applying for a loan. Some common scenarios of when you’ll need to unfreeze your credit:
• Applying for a credit card
• Applying for a mortgage, personal loan, or car loan
• Applying for a line of credit
• Hunting for an apartment
Recommended: Common Credit Report Errors and How to Dispute Them
Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert
If you’re at high risk for fraud, or you suspect you’ve been a victim of a credit card scam, or you just want to take extra precautions, you can set up a fraud alert on your credit report. When you have a fraud alert in place, a lender or creditor needs to verify your identity before they can issue you a new line of credit or approve you for a loan.
To place a fraud alert, you only need to reach out to one of the three credit bureaus. By law, that credit bureau must let the other two credit bureaus know you placed a fraud alert. In turn, all three credit bureaus will place a fraud alert on your credit file.
Initial fraud alerts are free, and initial fraud alerts last one year. After one year, you can renew it. Extended fraud alerts last for seven years, but they are for victims of identity theft, and you must submit a police report to qualify.
A credit freeze, on the other hand, blocks any party, including lenders and creditors, from accessing your credit. You need to place a credit freeze separately with each of the three credit bureaus, which lasts indefinitely. They can only be lifted when you make a request.
💡 Quick Tip: On-time payments are key to building your credit score. To ensure that you make your payments in time, consider setting up automatic payments or set a calendar reminder of your due date.
The Takeaway
Unfreezing your credit report is relatively simple, and it’s easy to set up a temporary lift should you decide you want to apply for a new credit card or personal loan. There are a few different ways you can go about thawing your credit as needed, and the credit bureaus have to unfreeze your credit within an hour of you making the request by phone or online.
Looking for a new credit card? Consider a rewards card that can make your money work for you. With the SoFi Credit Card, you earn cash-back rewards on all eligible purchases. You can then use those rewards for travel or to invest, save, or pay down eligible SoFi debt.
The SoFi Credit Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. There are no spending categories or reward caps to worry about.1
Take advantage of this offer by applying for a SoFi credit card today.
FAQ
Can I unfreeze my credit?
You can unfreeze your credit anytime by going through each of the three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — and requesting a lift on your credit freeze. You can ask for either a permanent or temporary lift. The thaw usually lasts anywhere from one to 30 days if it’s temporary.
Can you freeze your credit automatically?
Credit freezes don’t happen automatically. You will need to contact the three credit bureaus and make a proper request. You can do so online, by telephone, or via snail mail.
How soon can I unfreeze my credit after freezing?
You can unfreeze your credit as frequently as you like and request a credit lift as soon as you freeze it. If you made the request online or over the phone, it can take up to an hour to unfreeze your credit. If you send the request in the mail, it can take up to three business days.
How long does it take to unfreeze your credit?
It depends on the credit bureau and how you made your request. If you requested your credit to unfreeze or “thaw” over the phone or email, the credit bureaus must lift it within an hour. If you made the request by mail, the credit bureaus must unfreeze your credit within three business days.
Can I still use my credit card after freezing my credit?
Freezing your credit doesn’t impact your ability to use your credit card. You can freely make purchases on your card, book trips, redeem your cash-back points, and so forth. But if you want to do something that requires a hard pull of your credit — apply for new credit, loan, or submit a rental application for an apartment — you’ll need to unfreeze first.
Photo credit: iStock/nortonrsx
The SoFi Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri (TBOM) (“Issuer”) pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
SoFi cardholders earn 2% unlimited cash back rewards when redeemed to save, invest, or pay down eligible SoFi debt. 1
Do you want to learn how to get free clothes? There are many ways to get free clothes online and in-person, which means you can save money and have a new outfit. From online shopping to community groups and social media, there are many platforms where you can find free clothes for yourself and your…
Do you want to learn how to get free clothes?
There are many ways to get free clothes online and in-person, which means you can save money and have a new outfit.
From online shopping to community groups and social media, there are many platforms where you can find free clothes for yourself and your family. In this article, I will help you find free clothing both online and near you.
Whether you’re an expert bargain hunter or just learning the ropes, taking advantage of free outfits can be the key to sprucing up your wardrobe without spending a ton of money. Read on to learn more about how to get free clothes, discounts, and clever hacks to get free clothes while maintaining your budget.
Key Takeaways
Explore online platforms, like Facebook Buy Nothing groups, Craigslist, and Freecycle.org, for free clothing options.
Connect with friends and communities to organize clothing swaps.
Blogging or social media can lead to free clothing items and discounts.
How To Get Free Clothes
1. Facebook Buy Nothing Groups
If you’re looking for the easiest way to learn how to get free clothes, Facebook Buy Nothing groups can be one of the best options in your local area. These local groups on Facebook are part of the Buy Nothing Project, which aims to connect neighbors who are willing to give items away for free, including clothing.
I have given away many, many things in my Facebook Buy Nothing group, and I see lots of clothes given away all the time. You can find free clothes for women, men, children, and babies in your local Facebook Buy Nothing group.
To get started with Facebook Buy Nothing groups, simply search for a Buy Nothing group in your town or city. If you live in a large city, there might be multiple groups for different neighborhoods. Once you find the right group, send a request to join. You can start by searching “your city name Buy Nothing Group” as an example.
After you’ve been accepted into the group, you can start looking for free clothes. Keep an eye out for posts from group members offering clothing items they no longer need, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and state your interest in the items you like. When you find something you’d like to have, simply comment on the post to let the person know that you’re interested. The person may choose to gift the item to the first person who comments, or they might decide to draw names at random.
Another way you can learn how to get free clothes on Buy Nothing is by hosting a clothing round-robin. This is when people put together a box of clothes together that goes person to person. You can try items on in your home, take clothing you like, add to the box, and pass it along to the next person.
Facebook Marketplace may also have free clothing listed as well.
2. Look at Craigslist for free clothing
Craigslist has a free section on their website where you can find clothing and other items that people are giving away.
To get started, go to Craigslist.org and head to the free section of the website. Then type “clothes” or whatever specific article of clothing you are looking for in the Craigslist search bar.
Then when you find a free clothing listing that you like, simply click on the title or image to view more information about the offer and send an email to the person.
Note: For your safety, it is a good idea to meet the person in a public place and bring a friend along when you pick up the clothes.
3. Check Freecycle.org for clothing and shoes
Freecycle.org is a great resource for where to get free clothes online.
Freecycle is a nonprofit movement/website that allows members to give away and receive items for free in their local area. Freecycle is all about reducing waste and keeping items out of landfills.
To get started, create a free account on Freecycle.org and start looking at what is available in your area.
When you find something you like, simply respond to the listing, and the person will give you details on how to pick up the items.
For more content related to how to get free clothes, check out: 15 Awesome Ways To Get Free Stuff.
4. Organize a swap with friends to get free clothes
Setting up a clothing swap with friends and family is a fun way to refresh your wardrobe while also learning how to get free clothes.
Here are some steps to host a fun clothing swap:
Set a date and location – Choose a date and time that works for you and your friends. It’s a good idea to host the swap at your home or another comfortable space where everyone feels welcome. Make sure there is enough room for everyone to display and try on clothes.
Invite your friends – Create a guest list and send out invites. You can use social media, email, or text message to invite your friends. Make some ground rules for how the swap will work, and ask everyone to bring clean, gently used clothes that they no longer wear.
Prepare the space – Set up an area where friends can display their clothing items. This can be as simple as just using a dining room table or everyone sitting on the couch in the living room.
You can make it even more fun by asking everyone to bring snacks and food as well and make it more of a potluck.
I also recommend checking out the website Rehash. This is an online swap website where you can trade clothing with others online.
5. Birthday freebies
Many stores give you discounts or free stuff on your birthday when you sign up for their email lists or by joining customer loyalty programs.
These offers can be in the form of discounts, coupons, or even free items for a limited time.
Related: 31 Birthday Freebies You Should Sign Up For
6. Participate in sweepstakes and contests
If you want to learn how to get free clothes from companies, participating in sweepstakes and contests is a great option. Many stores and clothing brands have contests on their social media platforms, offering free clothing or clothing gift cards.
You can often find these by simply following your favorite stores and brands on social media – like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – to see when they hold a giveaway.
Another way to find sweepstakes and giveaways to enter is to search related hashtags on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Many times, sweepstakes and giveaways are tagged with these hashtags in order to grow even more and so that people can find them. I used to enter giveaways all the time, and this is exactly how I would find giveaways to enter. Some hashtags to find free online clothing giveaways include:
#sweepstakes
#giveaway
#clothinggiveaway
#contest
7. Find money-making apps that will pay you in clothing gift cards
If you’re looking to add some new clothing to your wardrobe without spending a lot of money, you can try using money-making apps that give you free gift cards or PayPal cash.
This may include taking surveys and shopping online, you can earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards to popular clothing stores. Here are some apps to consider using for free gift cards:
Swagbucks is a popular site that rewards you for completing tasks, such as watching videos, taking surveys, and shopping online. You can earn points and redeem them for gift cards from popular stores, like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Adidas, and Under Armour, where you can purchase clothing.
American Consumer Opinion is a popular survey website where you can get paid around $1 to $5 (longer surveys pay more than shorter ones) for each survey you answer.
Branded Surveys is an online survey company that pays around from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey that you answer. Like with all survey companies that I recommend, it is free to join.
Fetch Rewards is a grocery rewards app where you can redeem your points for clothing gift cards. You scan your receipts from grocery shopping and earn points that can be exchanged for gift cards at various clothing stores, like American Eagle, Gap, Lululemon, Old Navy, and more.
Upside is a cell phone app that gives you cash back for using the gas stations that are listed in their app. You simply sign up for a free account, and then look at the Upside app to find gas stations located near you. With Upside, you can make up to $0.25 per gallon cash back at gas stations. You can then redeem your earnings for cash to your bank account, but also for free gift cards to H&M, Nike, Target, Walmart, and more.
Ibotta is an app where you can unlock rebates and rewards, go shopping, verify your purchases, and then get cash.
By using these apps, you can earn gift cards to clothing stores without spending a dime.
Related: 16 Real Ways To Earn Free Gift Cards (Amazon, Target, Visa)
8. Redeem credit card rewards points to put towards free gift cards for clothes
You can benefit from using your credit card rewards points to score free gift cards for clothes!
Many credit card issuers offer reward programs, which give you points for every dollar you spend. By accumulating these points, you can redeem them for various rewards, including gift cards to your favorite clothing stores.
The way that rewards credit cards work is that every time you use your credit card, you can earn points for spending money. Yes, spending money just like how you normally spend money.
Two rewards credit cards that I personally like include:
Note: Using credit cards for their rewards is only wise if you are a responsible credit card user. You do not want to add debt to your life to earn credit card rewards, as debt that gains interest is not free or worth it! You need to make sure you’re paying your credit card balance in full each month for the gift card rewards to be worth it so that you are not taking on debt that you don’t need.
9. Start a clothing blog or social media account
Starting a clothing blog or social media account can be a fun way to get free clothes to promote. By building a following, clothing brands may want to partner with you and give you free clothing.
To begin, choose a platform where you want to focus your time, such as starting a fashion blog or setting up an Instagram account. For example, if you’re passionate about taking pictures, Instagram can be a perfect platform for this. If you want to focus on writing, then a blog may be better. If you prefer video, then starting a YouTube channel or TikTok may be for you.
Next, you’ll want to focus on growing your audience. You can grow your following by regularly posting high-quality content and replying to comments.
Once you are ready, you can start reaching out to clothing brands for possible partnerships by sending emails or social media messages, telling them that you are interested in promoting their products and discussing how the collaboration can benefit the both of you. You may be asked to share statistics about your blog or social media account, including your follower count and engagement rate to show that the partnership would be worthwhile.
In addition to receiving free clothing, partnering with clothing companies can lead to other benefits, such as promo codes for your readers or even earning referral income for any purchases from followers made through your affiliate links.
You can learn how to start a blog in my free How To Start a Blog Course.
Note: Please keep in mind that being a trustworthy blogger or social media influencer means always disclosing when a post is sponsored or when you receive a product for free. Adding disclaimers is also the law when using affiliate links or sharing sponsored posts.
10. Get a job at a clothing store
When I was younger, I worked at a clothing store. If we beat our monthly sales goals, we were given a percentage of that in a gift card to the store. This was a great way to get free clothing!
Now, not all clothing stores have this perk, but you may be able to ask around and see if others do.
Another perk of working at a clothing store is the employee discount that you can get. As an employee, you typically receive a good employee discount – sometimes up to 50% off. This could be a great way for you to save money on clothes while earning a paycheck.
11. Reach out to a local nonprofit or charitable group
Many nonprofits or charitable groups offer free clothing to those in need.
Shelters, religious organizations, and other groups often have clothing banks available. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these organizations if you find yourself needing how to get free clothes for everyday or work.
12. School donation programs
Some schools and universities host clothing donation programs, which can help students who may be struggling financially.
You can keep an eye out for these events to get free clothes for yourself or your children. Schools might even have partnerships with local retailers, providing designer clothing at no cost, along with essentials.
I recommend reaching out to your school and asking what options are available for you.
13. Local yard sales
Yard sales are a great place to find cheap or even free clothes. Some homeowners may be willing to part with clothes for very cheap or free, especially towards the end of the day when they are packing up and they want to get rid of the items that are remaining.
14. Pregnancy and baby sample boxes
If you are pregnant, then you can probably get a free baby box filled with items you’ll want and need.
You typically get a free baby box when you create a baby registry. These boxes are often filled with free baby samples, such as a baby onesie, baby bottles, diapers, pacifiers, and more.
I got both the Amazon baby box and the Babylist baby box when I was pregnant, and they were both great and free! I simply created a registry through both sites (which is something that I was already doing), and I received the free baby box once someone purchased something off my baby registry.
In each, there was one baby onesie. So it wasn’t a lot of free baby clothing, but it was fun to receive and there were lots of other free items in the box as well.
Related: Best Baby Gear – Guide For New Parents
15. Refer friends to your favorite stores
Referral programs are offered by many online clothing companies, and this may get you some free clothing.
When you refer a friend to the website, both you and your friend often receive a discount or credit towards your next purchase. You can share your unique referral link with friends and family, or promote it on social media to reach a larger audience.
Some online stores which have a referral program include Lulus, Poshmark, ThreadUP, Stitch Fix, Rent The Runway, and many more.
Make the most of online shopping to get money to put towards clothes
When shopping online, there are ways that you can save money. While these won’t lead you to getting entirely free clothing, these tips can make clothing more affordable.
Use coupons and promo codes –Always keep an eye out for coupons and promo codes before making a purchase to save money on clothes. Websites, like Honey, often have promo codes available for online stores. This way, you can save on your purchases and have more money to put towards new clothes. You can install the Honey browser extension, which automatically finds and applies available coupon codes and promo codes when you shop online. Then shop like normal and when you’re ready to checkout, Honey will instantly find and apply the best coupon codes directly to your shopping cart.
Cash-back sites –Using cash-back sites is another smart way to save money on your apparel purchases. Rakuten offers cash back (up to 40% cash back!) for shopping at many different online retailers (they have thousands of options). Simply browse the Rakuten website, find stores you normally shop at, and earn a percentage of cash back for every purchase.
Loyalty programs –Signing up for loyalty programs can be a great way to earn points or rewards that can be put towards new clothes. Many clothing stores offer rewards programs for their customers. As a member, you can earn points with each purchase that can be redeemed for discounts or even free clothing items.
Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops –Thrift stores can be a great source of free or inexpensive clothes. There are even online thrift stores, such as ThredUP and OfferUp.
Frequently asked questions about how to get free clothes
Below, I answer common questions about ways to get clothing for free.
Where can I find free clothing giveaways?
One way to find free clothes that are being given away is to search for online giveaways and contests. You can find these by going to giveaway websites, or searching hashtags on Twitter and Instagram, such as #giveaway and #clothinggiveaway.
There are many if you want to learn how to get free clothes, such as reaching out to nonprofit organizations, shelters, and churches in your local area. You can also check out websites, like Freecycle.org or Craigslist, for listings of free clothing resources in your community. Also, joining local Facebook Groups for clothing swaps or free items may help you find free clothes near you.
How can I receive free clothes delivered to my door?
By participating in referral programs, product testing programs, or signing up for clothing site rewards, you can potentially receive free clothes delivered to your door.
How to get free items from SHEIN?
There are a few ways to get free Shein clothes, and this is a very popular question about how to get free clothes!
There is a Shein Free Trial Center where you may be able to test out outfits for free. You will have to write a product review for the item you get for free with the Shein product testing program.
There are also Shein giveaways on social media all the time that you can enter as well.
How do I manage to have a great wardrobe on a tight budget?
To have a great wardrobe on a tight budget, you may want to focus on versatile and timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched. This may include shopping sales, clearance sections, and secondhand stores to find affordable clothing items. You can also swap clothes with friends or attend clothing swap events to save money.
How can I get a lot of clothes with little money?
You can get a lot of clothes with little money by shopping at thrift stores, discount stores, and clearance sales.
How do I get free athletic wear?
Many running shoes have a product testing program for athletes and runners, such as the Saucony product testing program, Reebok product testing program, New Balance tester community, and the Nike product testing program.
These companies will need your shoe size and some other information from you before they can send you anything. There will most likely be an in-depth questionnaire for you to answer after you try the shoes.
In some cases, you will not be able to keep the shoes, just so you know.
How To Get Free Clothes Online Without Paying – Summary
I hope you enjoyed today’s article on my best tips and tricks on how to get free clothing. As you can see, there are many ways to get started!
Whether you are looking for free t-shirts, jeans, shoes, work clothes, or something else, there is plenty of free apparel if you look around.
With Facebook Buy Nothing groups, Craigslist, and Freecycle.org, you can connect with like-minded individuals and exchange items without needing to pay. Also, connecting with friends, family, and online communities by organizing clothing swaps, working with money-making apps that offer gift cards, and blogging or engaging on social media can lead to free clothing items as well.
Remember, when you maximize your online shopping by using loyalty programs, cash-back apps, referral programs, and coupons, you’ll have more money to put towards new clothing items.
Do you know how to get free clothes? What’s your favorite way?
Though HARP is often referred to as “Obama’s refinance program,” perhaps Vice President Joe Biden’s name should be in there as well.
Why? Because the man refinances a lot, if his annual financial disclosure form released this past Friday by the White House is any indication.
I wouldn’t go so far as to call him a serial refinancer, but he has refinanced his home mortgage several times since buying a Wilmington, Delaware residence for cash back in 1996.
The home, now valued at nearly $1.4 million according to its current Zillow Zestimate, was originally purchased for just $350,000. Yes, it has quadrupled in value in just 18 short years.
And while Biden could have easily paid off his mortgage in full, he continues to carry multiple liens against the home, including a line of credit.
Joe Biden’s Mortgage Adventure
His latest refinance took place in 2013, just a year after long-term fixed mortgage rates hit an all-time low.
But he still seemed to snag the absolute lowest rate available, getting his hands on a new 30-year fixed-rate mortgage set at 3.375%. Perhaps he paid points, or perhaps he “knows someone” who gave him an ultra-low rate.
Either way, I guess it was too good to pass up, even with his busy schedule as Vice President of the United States.
He also paid off two HELOCs in 2013, including one set at the prime rate, which he took out in 2005, and one set at 4.49% that he received just one year earlier in 2012.
Additionally, Biden took out a new HELOC set at 2.75%, which is a half-point below the current level of the prime rate.
For the record, the new lender is TD Bank, a Toronto, Canada-based bank and lender. The previous bank was Wilmington Savings Fund Society.
It’s unclear why he keeps refinancing as opposed to just paying his home off, but my guess is that he’s in the invest instead of own free and clear camp.
He certainly has all types of investments, with his disclosure form a full two pages longer than the President’s.
Why Hasn’t Obama Refinanced His Mortgage?
Speaking of, the POTUS still hasn’t touched the 30-year fixed mortgage tied to his Illinois residence after nearly a decade, despite pitching HARP to Americans in speech after speech.
It remains set at what now looks like an astronomical 5.625%, about one and a half percentage points above current market rates.
He took out that mortgage back in 2005, before the housing market peaked and eventually busted.
As to why Obama continues not to refinance, he mentioned last year that “you have to be a little careful about these transactions” when you’re the Prez.
Perhaps the scrutiny involved with refinancing isn’t worth the few thousand bucks he’d save. It’s unclear, but Biden is undoubtedly the more aggressive of the two, and that shows in their mortgages too.
We’ll have to wait and see if Obama refinances once he leaves office in a couple of years. As for Biden, his next refinance might be right around the corner.
Read more: When does it make sense to refinance a mortgage?
You may have watched a movie in which a character pulls out a fancy black credit card and brags about how he has access to unlimited money. The reality is that there is no such credit card. Some credit cards do come with “no preset spending limit,” but even those cards have some sort of controls and restrictions.
When you have a credit card with no preset spending limit, each purchase is evaluated on a case-by-case basis for approval. As long as you are using the card responsibly and regularly paying down your balance, you shouldn’t have any problems with purchases being declined.
Do No-Limit Credit Cards Exist?
While most credit cards do come with specific credit limits, there are cards that intentionally have no preset spending limit. Those card holders never have to worry about managing their available credit. Instead, the issuer will evaluate each purchase as it’s made to determine whether to approve it. The issuer may also provide a tool where you can check beforehand to see if a purchase will be approved.
💡 Quick Tip: A SoFi Credit Card provides access to a line of credit. It’s essentially a short-term loan that you repay each month.
Unlimited 2% cash back rewards*
Earn 3% cash back on up to $12,000 in purchases your first year when you set up direct deposit through SoFi.** After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on everything.*
Where Does the Idea of No Limit Cards Come From?
To “average” people who stick to a budget and pay their bills each month, there is something aspirational about a magical no-limit credit card. If you have an average credit limit, you might wonder what it is like to not be encumbered with one. Pop culture plays into this common desire to know what it would be like to be obscenely rich and not have to worry about money.
The Myth of the Black Credit Card With No Limit
In pop culture, the no-limit credit card always seems to be black, and there are ultra-luxury black credit cards. For example, American Express has the Centurion Card, which is a black credit card that is only available by invitation. But while the Centurion card (and other similar cards) don’t come with a preset spending limit, that doesn’t mean there is no limit at all.
Recommended: What Is a Luxury Good?
Pros and Cons of Cards With High Spending Limits
Here’s a quick overview of some pros and cons of high limit credit cards:
Pros
Cons
More convenient to pay for larger expenses
It may be tempting to spend beyond your means
Harder to go over your credit limit
If your card is stolen, you may be at a higher risk before you notice
A high credit limit can help your credit utilization ratio, when used responsibly
A higher credit limit could mean more debt to pay down
A higher spending limit may allow you to earn rewards like unlimited cash back
💡 Quick Tip: A SoFi cash-back credit card is a great way to earn rewards without a complicated redemption process. Even better, SoFi doesn’t place limits on the amount of cash-back rewards you can earn.
What Does It Take to Have a High Limit Credit Card?
Most credit card issuers use a variety of factors when deciding both whether to approve you for a credit card and what credit limit to extend. Here are a few factors that may come into play:
A Good Credit Score
Most cards that come with no preset spending limit are considered premium or luxury credit cards. That means that you will likely need good or excellent credit to be approved.
Recommended: 8 Tips for Maintaining a Good Credit Score
A High Income
Another factor that can help you to get a high limit on a credit card is a relatively high income. Banks generally use an applicant’s income as one factor in determining a credit limit for a card. If you have a low annual income, a bank may be hesitant to issue you a credit card with a high spending limit.
An Existing Relationship With the Bank
Many banks are interested in building a relationship with their customers, especially ones they consider to be high-value. Showing that you are a loyal customer can encourage a bank to extend you additional credit. Ways to build your relationship with a bank might include opening checking or savings accounts, taking advantage of their credit card rewards program, or responsibly using existing accounts with them.
The Takeaway
While some credit cards come without a preset spending limit, all credit cards have some limitations in place. There is no publicly available credit card that will allow you to spend and spend with no consequences. If you have a card with no preset spending limit, the issuer will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to approve each purchase.
Looking for a new credit card? Consider a rewards card that can make your money work for you. With the SoFi Credit Card, you earn cash-back rewards on all eligible purchases. You can then use those rewards for travel or to invest, save, or pay down eligible SoFi debt.
The SoFi Credit Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. There are no spending categories or reward caps to worry about.1 Take advantage of this offer by applying for a SoFi credit card today.
FAQ
Is there a credit card that has no limit?
There aren’t really credit cards with no limit at all (like you might see in the movies). But there are credit cards that don’t have a preset spending limit. Instead, the credit card issuer will evaluate your overall financial information to determine whether to approve any purchases. This might include your income, net worth, relationship to the bank, and previous spending and payment history.
How do people get no limit credit cards?
Most cards that come with no preset spending limit are luxury credit cards, which means that you’ll need to have good or excellent credit. Having a high income is another factor that can improve your odds of being approved. You might also consider strengthening your relationship with the issuing bank, like opening a checking account or other credit cards.
What does no limit credit card mean?
A no-limit credit card generally does not mean a credit card with absolutely no limit at all. Instead, many times people are referring to a credit card with no preset spending limit. When you have a card with no preset spending limit, you won’t have a specific available credit or credit limit — instead, the bank will determine whether to approve each transaction based on your overall financial information and/or past spending history.
Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson
The SoFi Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri (TBOM) (“Issuer”) pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi cardholders earn 2% unlimited cash back rewards when redeemed to save, invest, or pay down eligible SoFi debt. Cardholders earn 1% cash back rewards when redeemed for a statement credit.1 1Members earn 2 rewards points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. If you elect to redeem points for cash deposited into your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, or fractional shares in your SoFi Active Invest account, or as a payment to your SoFi Personal, Private Student, or Student Loan Refinance, your points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point. If you elect to redeem points as a statement credit to your SoFi Credit Card account, your points will redeem at a rate of 0.5 cents per every point. For more details please visit SoFi.com/card/rewards. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A.
Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
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.
If you’re like most people, credit card interest and taxes are two things you don’t want to pay. Luckily, paying one may help you pay less for the other. Credit card interest and fees are tax-deductible in some cases. That means every dollar you pay in credit card interest might reduce a dollar of your taxable income.
If that sounds too good to be true, there is a catch — credit card interest and fees are typically only considered tax-deductible if they are legitimate business expenses. If you don’t run a business, or the interest and fees were not incurred in the operation of a business, you generally won’t be able to deduct them on your tax return.
How Credit Card Interest Works
When you make a purchase with a credit card, you don’t have to pay for it right away. Instead, you are borrowing the money for the duration of your statement (usually one month). At the end of your statement balance, you must make at least a minimum payment. But if you don’t pay the full statement amount, you will be charged credit card interest on any outstanding balance. Charging this interest is one way that issuers fund credit card perks and benefits like credit card rewards.
💡 Quick Tip: When choosing a credit card, look for one that aligns with your existing spending habits. For example, some cards offer rewards on airline purchases for frequent travelers, while others, like the SoFi Credit Card, offer cash-back rewards on all purchases.
Unlimited 2% cash back rewards*
Earn 3% cash back on up to $12,000 in purchases your first year when you set up direct deposit through SoFi.** After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on everything.*
Is Credit Card Interest Tax Deductible?
Whether or not credit card purchase interest charges are tax-deductible depends mostly on whether it is personal or business credit card interest.
Business Credit Card Interest
Business credit card interest may be tax-deductible in certain situations. Generally speaking, in order to deduct any expenses, they must be incurred in the regular operation of the business. The IRS does not have requirements about what type of credit card is used, as long as the interest is incurred on business expenses.
You may be able to deduct credit card interest on a personal credit card used for business purchases. However, most credit card agreements prohibit the use of personal credit cards for business purposes on a regular basis.
Not surprisingly, you cannot typically deduct credit card interest on personal expenses charged to a business credit card. And if you pay for personal and business expenses with the same credit card, you may not be able to deduct the full amount of interest. Consult with your accountant or tax advisor if you have questions about what can and cannot be deducted.
Personal Credit Card Interest
Personal credit card interest is not tax-deductible under any circumstances. You cannot deduct interest that you pay for personal expenses on a credit card. That’s one more reason to always pay your credit card statement in full, each and every month. That way you aren’t charged any credit card interest.
Recommended: How to Do Taxes as a Freelancer
Are Credit Card Fees Tax Deductible?
Just like credit card interest, the deductibility of credit card fees largely depends on whether they are for business expenses.
Business Credit Card Fees
Credit card fees that are incurred as business expenses are generally considered deductible. This includes credit card annual fees, overdraft fees, foreign transaction fees, late fees, and balance transfer fees. As long as the credit card is used for business purposes, any fees charged by the credit card issuer will be tax-deductible.
💡 Quick Tip: When using your credit card, make sure you’re spending within your means. Ideally, you won’t charge more to your card in any given month than you can afford to pay off that month.
Personal Credit Card Fees
In contrast, personal credit card fees are not generally considered deductible. Any fees that you are charged by your credit card issuer that are not business expenses cannot be deducted from your taxable income.
Recommended: Can You Use a Personal Checking Account for Business?
Avoiding Interest and Fees vs Tax Deductions
While it’s important to understand that you may be able to deduct credit card interest and fees if they are business expenses, avoiding credit card interest may be the more prudent thing to do. If you are in a 30% tax bracket, that means deducting one dollar of interest will save you 30 cents. But if you pay your balance in full, you won’t be charged any interest and save the full dollar.
The Takeaway
Some credit card fees and interest is deductible on your annual tax return. Generally speaking, you cannot deduct personal credit card interest or fees. You may be able to deduct them if they are legitimate business expenses. Keeping your business and personal expenses separate can help you determine which fees and interest you may be able to deduct.
Looking for a new credit card? Consider a rewards card that can make your money work for you. With the SoFi Credit Card, you earn cash-back rewards on all eligible purchases. You can then use those rewards for travel or to invest, save, or pay down eligible SoFi debt.
The SoFi Credit Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. There are no spending categories or reward caps to worry about.1 Take advantage of this offer by applying for a SoFi credit card today.
FAQ
Can you deduct credit card interest as business expense?
As credit card interest rates rise, the amount of interest that you’re charged each month on any unpaid balances also rises. So you may be wondering if you can deduct credit card interest from your taxable income. The good news is that as long as the interest is a legitimate business expense, you can generally deduct the interest.
Are credit card fees tax deductible?
It’s important to understand how different credit card-related items affect your taxes. Credit card rewards are generally not considered taxable, while some credit card fees may be tax-deductible. You may be able to deduct most credit card fees as long as they are considered legitimate business expenses. Personal credit card fees are not generally considered deductible.
Can you write off personal credit card annual fees?
No, in nearly all cases, you cannot take a tax deduction for personal credit card fees. Only credit card fees that are legitimate business expenses are tax-deductible. However, it’s important to understand that the IRS does not make any distinction between what might be marketed as a “personal” card or a “business” credit card.
Photo credit: iStock/Cameron Prins
The SoFi Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri (TBOM) (“Issuer”) pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi cardholders earn 2% unlimited cash back rewards when redeemed to save, invest, or pay down eligible SoFi debt. Cardholders earn 1% cash back rewards when redeemed for a statement credit.1 1Members earn 2 rewards points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. If you elect to redeem points for cash deposited into your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, or fractional shares in your SoFi Active Invest account, or as a payment to your SoFi Personal, Private Student, or Student Loan Refinance, your points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point. If you elect to redeem points as a statement credit to your SoFi Credit Card account, your points will redeem at a rate of 0.5 cents per every point. For more details please visit SoFi.com/card/rewards. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A.
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.
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.
It’s a common (and frustrating) experience to have to pay a fee when you access your cash at an out-of-network ATM.
Currently, this kind of transaction will cost you $4.66 on average. When you are just trying to get $20 to buy an old book at a flea market or to buy some street food, that can be a lot!
To better understand ATM fees and avoid paying them, read on. You’ll learn typical costs and smart ways to dodge those extra charges and keep more of your hard-earned cash.
Common ATM Fees
Bank account holders typically pay no fees for using in-network ATMs, whether you’re dipping your card or doing a cardless withdrawal. However, these machines may not always be conveniently located.
Indeed, more than half of ATMs today are owned and serviced by independent operators and their affiliates — not banks. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you could end up paying a fee to your bank, as well as a fee to the ATM operator.
So how much are ATM fees? Here are some typical charges for using an ATM:
Non-Network Fee
This fee can be charged by your bank for using a non-branded or non-partner ATM. It’s kind of like going to a doctor that’s not on your insurance plan — you might be able to do it, but it could be more expensive.
On average, this charge accounts for about $1.52 of the total fee, according to Bankrate. The fee can apply to any type of transaction performed at an ATM, including withdrawals, transfers, and even balance inquiries. Typically, you won’t be told about such fees at any time during your ATM transaction.
ATM Surcharge
This one comes from the ATM owner, and is often labeled as a “convenience charge.” The average U.S. surcharge currently runs $3.14. However, surcharges can vary by state and venue, and you may encounter higher amounts in places where ATMs are in greater demand.
If you’re at an entertainment venue or theme park in a popular tourist destination, for instance, you could pay considerably more.
When using an ATM that isn’t part of your bank’s network of machines, the machine usually notifies you about a fee charged by the bank or company that operates the ATM.
Foreign ATM Fees
Traveling overseas can come with even more watch-outs, such as foreign transaction fees on both purchases and ATM withdrawals.
When using an ATM in a foreign country, you can incur a fee of around 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. Some financial institutions, however, have no foreign transaction fees, and can be worth looking at if you frequently travel overseas.
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What Are Average ATM Fees?
As mentioned above, ATM fees can take a bite out of your money. Here are specifics on how much ATMs charge, as of the end of 2022:
• The average out-of-network fee that a bank charges its customers is $1.52.
• The average surcharge by the ATM’s owner/operator when you use an out-of-network terminal is $3.14.
• The total average out-of-network fee is the sum of these two numbers, or $4.66 per transaction.
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5 Tips to Avoid ATM Fees
If having to pay money to access your money grinds your gears, there’s some good news — it is possible to avoid ATM fees or at least encounter them less frequently.
Here are some strategies:
1. Scouting out ATMs in Advance
Finding out where your financial institution’s in-network ATMs are located in your area, or where you are traveling to, can save you money and hassle. These may be ATMs branded with the institution’s name and logo, or in a network of partner ATMs, such as Allpoint or Star. You can research this on your bank’s website or app.
2. Getting Extra Cash When You Use an ATM
Fees are typically charged per transaction, so one way to avoid charges is to withdraw more cash than you need whenever you go to the ATM, and then keep it in a safe place. This can yield significant savings when you are traveling overseas, where surcharges can be significantly higher than domestic ATM fees. You may want to keep in mind, however, that there are usually some ATM withdrawal limits.
3. Asking for Cash Back at the Register
Many retailers and convenience stores offer cash back when you make a purchase using your debit card. This can be a convenient way to get cash without paying an ATM fee. It can be a good idea, however, to make sure that neither the retailer, nor your bank charges a cash-back fee.
4. Switching to a Different Bank
Not all banks charge out-of-network ATM fees. If you’re getting hit with fees, especially double fees, you may want to consider switching to an institution that has a larger ATM network, doesn’t charge ATM fees, and/or refunds ATM fees charged by machine providers.
Online vs. traditional banks often have generous policies regarding ATM fees. They typically don’t have their own ATM networks, but will partner with large networks and may refund some fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers.
5. Using a Peer-to-Peer Payment App
With a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app, like Venmo, or a similar service offered by your financial institution, you can easily pay your friends without cash with just a few taps on your phone -– and avoid a trip to the ATM entirely. And mobile payment can be safe, instead of carrying cash.
💡 Quick Tip: The myth about online accounts is that it’s hard to access your cash. Not so! When you open the right online checking account, you’ll have ATM access at thousands of locations.
Banking With SoFi
One way to avoid ATM fees is to bank with a financial institution that has a robust network of cash machines, like SoFi.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
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FAQ
How can you avoid ATM fees?
There are a few ways to avoid ATM fees: You could bank at a financial institution with a large network of cash machines; you could use a P2P app; you could get cash back at the register; or you might take out more cash in advance, among other strategies.
Are ATM fees worth it?
Whether ATM fees are worth it will depend on the circumstances. If you need cash badly, you might not mind paying a few dollars. But often, people don’t want to spend money to access their money.
Are ATM fees higher at airports?
ATMs may be more expensive at airports. For instance, not all banks or ATM networks are represented at airports. You may have a hard time finding yours and therefore have to use an out-of-network cash machine. In addition, some popular locations, from airports to theme parks to casinos, have been known to have higher than usual fees.
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SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.50% APY for savings. Members without direct deposit will earn up to 1.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 8/2/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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People with qualifying children can claim the child tax credit on their federal tax returns to help reduce their tax burden. The child tax credit is reverting for the 2022 tax year.
If you have dependent children under the age of 17, you may qualify for the child tax credit. This partially refundable tax credit can help offset how much you owe in taxes or even provide a refund. You may qualify for a portion of this tax credit even if you don’t owe taxes.
child tax credit
In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 increased the amount of the child tax credit to $3,000 per qualifying dependent. However, this extra boost has now expired, and child tax credit rates for 2022 revert back to the previous level of $2,000 per dependent.
If you think you might be eligible for the child tax credit, keep reading to learn more.
In This Piece
What Is the Child Tax Credit?
The child tax credit is part of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. It’s specifically designed to help reduce the tax liability for parents with dependent children aged 17 and under. As a partially refundable tax credit, it’s possible to receive a refund for this credit, even if you don’t owe taxes or if the amount of the credit exceeds how much you owe in taxes.
Studies show that the combination of the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit helps pull millions of children out of poverty every year. For example, in 2018, this combination helped push 5.5 million children above the poverty level.
To obtain this tax credit, you must list your dependents’ information on Form 1040 and complete Schedule 8812, Credit for Qualifying Children and Other Dependents.
How Much Child Tax Credit Will I Get This Year?
As mentioned above, the child tax rate for 2022 reverts back to the previous level. The maximum child tax credit for 2022 is $2,000 per qualifying dependent. For example, if you have two qualifying dependents, you can earn a tax credit of up to $4,000 ($2,000*2).
If you’re filing as head of household and earn more than $200,000 or filing as married and earn more than $400,000, you may not receive the full amount. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds these income thresholds, the child tax credit amount slowly starts to phase out. This phaseout rate is $50 per every $1,000 over the income threshold.
For example, if you’re filing head of household and your adjusted gross income is $220,000, your tax credit amount is reduced by $1,000 (($220,000-$200,000)*$50)). This means your tax credit for the year is $1,000 ($2,000-$1,000).
Additionally, the child tax credit is not fully refundable. If your tax liability is lower than your child tax credit, you’re only eligible for a partial credit of $1,500 per qualifying dependent. In the event your earned income is less than $2,500, you may not be eligible for the child tax credit.
If you have dependents between the ages of 17 and 24, you may be eligible for a $500 child tax credit for other dependents. This is a nonrefundable credit, so it can only help reduce your overall tax liability.
How Do I Qualify for a Child Tax Credit?
To be eligible for the child tax credit, you must first have an eligible dependent. This dependent must meet the following conditions:
The child must be under the age of 17.
You must claim this child on your current year’s tax return.
The child must be related to you, such as a child, stepchild, sibling or eligible foster child or a descendant of any of these.
The child must be a U.S. citizen, national or resident alien.
You must provide at least one-half of the financial support for the child.
The child must live with you for at least one-half of the year.
You must also meet income requirements by earning at least $2,500 throughout the year.
Who Is Eligible for the Child Tax Credit?
To be eligible for the child tax credit, you must have a qualifying dependent you claim on your current year taxes and provide more than one-half of their care. You must also earn at least $2,000 during the year.
How to Prepare for Tax Season
If you’re doing your taxes yourself, make sure you take all the eligible child tax credits and tax exemptions. You can also use online tax preparation services to ensure you obtain all the tax credits and deductions you can. This step can help reduce your overall tax liability and even help you earn cash back.
If, after taking all the eligible tax credits and deductions you can, you still owe taxes, you must pay this debt by Tax Day. There are a number of ways you can pay your taxes, including credit and debit cards, cash, check, wire transfer, and even installments.The important things are to make sure you file your taxes on time, take all the tax credits and tax deductions you can and pay any tax liability on time. Once you file your taxes, you can use the government’s track my child tax credit site to find out when you can expect to see these funds.