Gift Cards

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The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has long been a mainstay for travelers seeking low-effort rewards for a relatively modest annual fee. It touts a generous sign-up bonus, the same rewards rate for most purchases, flexible rewards redemption options and additional travel benefits that boost its value.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey entered the credit card marketplace in March 2024, but it’s quickly catching up with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You can earn a sign-up bonus and elevated rewards in certain spending categories. Redeeming your rewards is easy with this card, too. Plus, it provides impressive travel protections.

Which card is right for you comes down to which perks you value the most. Here’s how to decide.

Why you might prefer the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Compared with other travel credit cards that have convoluted rewards programs, the $95-annual-fee Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has always kept earning and redeeming miles super simple.

Flat rewards rate

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns:

  • 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases.

  • 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One’s travel portal. 

For the most part, there are no spending categories to memorize — just a decent rewards rate no matter where you use the card. If you want travel rewards that keep it simple, this is hard to beat.

Sign-up bonus

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. That’s a lot of value in the first year you carry this card.

Flexible redemptions

There are multiple ways to use your miles:

  • Cover the cost of travel purchases made within the past 90 days. Eligible travel purchases include airlines, hotels, trains, buses, rental cars, cruises, taxis and limousine services, travel agents and timeshares. 

  • Redeem miles on Capital One’s travel portal for flights, car rentals and hotel bookings.

  • Transfer rewards to other eligible Capital One cards.

  • Transfer rewards to Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partners.

You can also redeem miles for cash back or gift cards, but redemption values vary, so this isn’t an ideal way to use your rewards.

Travel and entertainment extras

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a statement credit of up to $100 to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years. You’ll also get Hertz Five Star status, which offers a wider selection of rental cars, upgrades when available and more.

Get access to VIP event experiences and ticket presales through Capital One Entertainment. You can also book tables at in-demand restaurants and attend special events through Capital One Dining.

Why you might choose the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey instead

Like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey has a $95 annual fee and travel-focused rewards. While it lacks a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, the card offers other benefits, including robust travel protections.

Higher rewards in specific categories

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey earns:

  • 5 points per $1 on hotels.

  • 4 points per $1 on airlines.

  • 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining.

  • 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

That’s a bit more complicated than the flat rate on most purchases with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, but it’s potentially more rewarding if you spend more on travel and dining specifically.

Welcome offer

Earn 60,000 bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That’s not as generous as the sign-up bonus on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, but it’s still a nice bonus if this is the card you choose.

Flexible redemptions

Redeem rewards for not just travel, but also statement credits to offset eligible purchases, gift cards, charitable donations and merchandise. You can also pay with points at select merchants.

Another option is to transfer points to Wells Fargo’s airline and hotel partners. It’s a relatively short list for now, but according to Wells Fargo, there are plans to expand it.

Travel and entertainment extras

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey lacks a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, but it does offer a $50 annual statement credit for airfare purchases. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers no such credit toward airfare.

Plus, with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, you’ll have robust travel protections, including a reimbursement of up to $15,000 if your trip is canceled for a covered reason.

You can also take advantage of Autograph Card Exclusives, which is a series of concerts in small venues.

Cell phone protection

If you pay your cell phone bill with your Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, you’re covered if your phone is stolen or damaged. You can claim up to $1,000, with a maximum of two claims per year.

Which card should you get?

When you compare these two cards, it comes down to rewards earnings and perks. Opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card if you prefer simple rewards and want to save on TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey may be a better match if you want to earn more rewards on certain spending and you’d like enhanced travel and cell phone protections.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card launched in March 2024 as a higher-tier alternative to the $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey has a $95 annual fee, but earns higher rewards rates in certain categories and offers additional perks, including an annual airfare credit and trip cancellation reimbursement.

Here are the card’s benefits:

Spending rewards

1. High ongoing rates

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey earns:

  • 5 points per $1 on hotels.

  • 4 points per $1 on airlines.

  • 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining.

  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

2. A sign-up bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

3. A variety of redemption options

Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards or merchandise. You can also pay with points at participating merchants, or transfer points to Wells Fargo’s travel partners (more on that below).

Travel benefits

4. Airline statement credit

Get a $50 statement credit each year for an airline purchase of at least $50. This is automatically applied to your account when you make an eligible purchase.

5. Transfer partners

Starting April 2024, Wells Fargo adds the ability to transfer points to partnering airline and hotel loyalty programs, including:

You can transfer your points at a 1:1 value to most of these partners (the exception is Choice Privileges, where points transfer at a 1:2 ratio).

Travel and shopping protections

6. Travel protection

Get reimbursed up to $15,000 if your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason. This benefit covers you and your travel companions for costs including unused transportation, lodging, and tour and activity fees. You can also get reimbursed for travel nightmares like lost baggage.

7. Cell phone protection

Use the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey to pay your cell phone bill and get reimbursed up to $1,000 per claim (with a limit of two claims per year) if your cell phone is damaged or stolen.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Welcome offers make the first year you carry a credit card an especially lucrative one. After that, you’ll earn rewards for your spending, but nothing comes close to that influx of points worth potentially hundreds of dollars upon redemption.

However, a card’s terms and conditions might stop you from getting multiple new cardholder bonuses from the same issuer, which is the case for certain American Express cards. If you open a new AmEx card and earn a welcome bonus, you may not be able to earn a bonus from another AmEx-issued card within the same “family” later on.

Here’s how to navigate AmEx application rules when it comes to restrictions on new cardholder welcome offers.

AmEx card ‘families’

It helps to think of cards that offer similar benefits as “families.” A family of cards has a major thing in common, like what rewards currency they earn (travel points or cash back). They may all be part of a rewards program for a specific airline or hotel brand. Within families, you’ll find different tiers of cards. A more premium card will charge a higher annual fee in exchange for more rewards. A no-annual-fee card provides a lower-cost option, but that card won’t offer as many perks.

AmEx cards fall into several families, each with rules about how many bonuses you can get. If you’re ineligible to get a bonus, you’ll get a notification before your application is processed, so you can decide at that point whether or not to proceed.

These are the AmEx card families.

Membership Rewards cards

A number of AmEx cards earn Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel (including transfers to airline and hotel partners), statement credits, gift cards or purchases at participating merchants. There are two sub-families within this category:

For travel

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: If you had this card before, or other versions of it including the Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab, the Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley or previous versions, you may not be able to qualify for a welcome offer by getting it again.

  • American Express® Gold Card: If you had this card or any versions of The Platinum Card® from American Express before, you may not qualify for a welcome offer.

  • American Express® Green Card: If you had this card, the American Express® Gold Card or any versions of The Platinum Card® from American Express before, you may not qualify for a welcome offer. (All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently and the card is no longer available through NerdWallet.)

  • Terms apply.

For everyday purchases

  • Amex EveryDay® Credit Card: If you had this card or The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer. (All information about the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently and the card is no longer available through NerdWallet.)

  • Terms apply.

Cash-back cards

AmEx issues several cards that earn cash-back rewards. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earn elevated rewards in specific spending categories, while the American Express Cash Magnet® Card earns the same rate on all purchases.

  • American Express Cash Magnet® Card: If you had this card, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express or the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer. (All information about the American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet.)

  • Terms apply.

Airline cards

AmEx issues these co-branded Delta cards that earn rewards in the form of Delta SkyMiles:

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: If you had this card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: If you had this card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer.

  • Terms apply.

Hotel cards

The Hilton cards provide an exception to some of the rules you see with other AmEx cards. You can’t get a welcome offer on a card if you get that exact same card again, but you can get another card in the Hilton family and be eligible for that card’s offer.

Hilton Honors

  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: If you had this card before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer. (All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently and the card is no longer available through NerdWallet.)

Marriott Bonvoy

What you can do

Choose your card carefully

If you can only get one welcome bonus per card family, go for the card with the biggest bonus available. That may mean stomaching a higher annual fee (and the annual fees on some of these cards are no joke), but if you choose a card with other perks you’ll actually use, you can get more value out of the card while you carry it.

You can opt to downgrade the pricier card later on to another member of the family with a lower annual fee if you’d like to keep your account open for a lower cost. You won’t earn another bonus this way, however.

Look for targeted offers

Anecdotally, consumers may receive targeted credit card offers from AmEx without this lifetime language, meaning you may be eligible for another bonus despite carrying another card in that family. These offers arrive randomly, so pay attention to what you get in the mail.

Ask for a retention bonus

If you’re considering canceling a card once the annual fee is due again, call the number on the back of your card and ask about retention offers. You’re shut out of bonuses on other similar AmEx cards, but perhaps a kindly customer service representative can convince you to hold onto the card you have now with a waived annual fee or some extra rewards points.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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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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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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Want to learn how to get free furniture? Do you want to transform your living space without breaking the bank? Here’s a guide on furnishing your house without spending any money.  Whether you’re looking for sofas, beds, dishes, or other household items, there are ways to get free furniture. Today you’ll learn: You may be…

Want to learn how to get free furniture?

Do you want to transform your living space without breaking the bank? Here’s a guide on furnishing your house without spending any money. 

Whether you’re looking for sofas, beds, dishes, or other household items, there are ways to get free furniture.

Today you’ll learn:

  • The different places to get free furniture
  • How to find high-quality furniture for free
  • Creative strategies for styling your home for free

You may be able to get furniture for pretty cheap or even free. If you are looking to save some money, then finding ways to get free stuff can help you spend less money.

11 Places To Find Free Furniture

Below are 11 places that give away free furniture.

1. Facebook 

Facebook is one of the best places to find free furniture near you. By utilizing Facebook Marketplace and local community groups, you can score the furniture pieces you need for your home. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding free furniture on Facebook.

  • Click the “Marketplace” option in the left-hand menu.
  • Search for “free furniture” in the Marketplace search bar.
  • Once you’ve entered the search term “free furniture”, you can filter your results for options such as “Free or “Price: Free”. This will narrow down listings to only free listings.
  • Optionally, you can also join local community groups on Facebook. These groups have members who often give away free furniture they don’t want to bother selling.

It’s important to be safe when arranging pickups and meeting people online. Stay safe by meeting in public places, bringing someone with you, and letting someone know where and when you plan on meeting this person.

2. Buy Nothing Groups

The Buy Nothing Project started in 2013 and the main purpose is to get free things that you need without having to go and buy more things.

These groups encourage recycling and giving items a second chance rather than throwing them away when you no longer need them.

To get started, find and join a local Buy Nothing Group on Facebook. You can search for groups specifically for your city. Read and understand the group rules for the Buy Nothing Group and regularly check the group for new posts.

If you see a piece of furniture you’re interested in, respond to the offer politely and express your interest. You can even share why you need the item, so the person knows it’s going to good use.

Buy Nothing Groups are incredible communities for sharing, getting, and giving support to others. If you have the means, consider giving things to the Buy Nothing Group when other members of the community need something.

My sister has given away a ton of free furniture in local buy-nothing groups such as a sectional couch, TV stand, coffee table, bed frames, dressers, outdoor furniture, and more. There are lots of decent furniture pieces that you may be able to find in your local buy-nothing group as well!

3. Craigslist

Craigslist is another great spot for finding free furniture for your home.

Here’s a list of tips to find free furniture on Craigslist.

  • Look for the “Free” section. This page will show you a long list of items people are giving away for free in your local area.
  • When in the “Free” section, use the search bar and type in keywords like “furniture”, “couch”, “bed”, or other items you’re interested in getting.
  • Contact the poster on whichever item you’re interested in and use the contact information provided to reach out.

When meeting with people from Craigslist, it’s important to coordinate a spot that is safe and well-lit. It doesn’t hurt to bring a friend with you and let someone know where you’re meeting the online person and at what time.

4. Freecycle

Freecycle is a network of local groups for people who want to give away stuff and receive items for free. Here are some tips for finding furniture on Freecycle.

  • Visit the Freecycle website, find your local Freecycle group, and join the group by signing up with your email.
  • Search the local Freecycle group for furniture. Type in keywords in the searcher like “furniture”, “couch”, and “table”.
  • If you can’t find the furniture you’re looking for, create a “Wanted” post and state what you’re looking for and why you need it.

Contribute to the community when you can by offering items you no longer need. And as always, prioritize safety when arranging pickups. Let someone know your plans and choose public places to pick up furniture.

5. Ask friends and family

You can possibly get free furniture from friends and family, especially if they are looking to declutter or upgrade their home with new furniture. 

Let family and friends know you need furniture. Be honest about your situation and clearly communicate the type of furniture you’re looking for, whether it’s a couch, table, bed, etc.

In a casual setting, such as at a family dinner, mention that you’re in need of furniture for your place. People may be more inclined to offer items they no longer use.

You could even make a Facebook post simply asking if anyone has any furniture they no longer want.

To make things as easy as possible, offer to pick up the furniture from your friend or family member. They’ll probably be really happy to get rid of the furniture and have more space in their home.

6. Ashley Furniture – Hope to Dream Program

Hope To Dream is a program by Ashley Furniture with the main goal of providing free mattresses and bedding to children in need. This program operates through partnerships with local organizations and charities.

The qualifications for the Hope To Dream program include:

  • Underserved children between the ages of 3 and 16 who do not have beds.
  • Families with very low income, live in poverty, or transitioning from homelessness.
  • Nominated by a school social worker, case manager, church, and other charitable organizations.

The Ashley Furniture free bed assistance program is a helpful one to look into if you are looking for free furniture for low income families.

Here is more information on the Hope To Dream program.

7. The Salvation Army Furniture Vouchers

Salvation Army accepts furniture donations, but sometimes they sell their furniture items at a high price. If you are low-income, you may qualify for Salvation Army free furniture vouchers.

The Salvation Army gives free furniture vouchers to people in need as part of their assistance program.

To get support, contact your local Salvation Army and ask about their assistance program, specifically related to furniture. Explain your situation and provide any required documentation to assess your eligibility for assistance. You may need to provide proof of your financial situation and ID.

Some Salvation Army locations conduct interviews as part of the application process. Once the application process is completed, the Salvation Army will inform you of your outcome.

If approved, the Salvation Army will provide you with furniture vouchers. 

8. Dumpster Diving

Dumpster diving is a unique way to score free furniture, but it’s important to approach this activity with caution and respect for local laws and safety.

Here are some tips for dumpster diving:

  • Understand local laws regarding dumpster diving. Some areas have strict rules against it while other places are lenient. 
  • Choose dumpsters in safe and legal areas and avoid private property without permission. 
  • Inspect items for damage, stains, and signs of infestations.
  • Dumpster dive when people are likely to move out and throw away furniture, like the end of the month, college move-out periods, or large item pickup days.
  • Drive around your area on normal trash day as well, as sometimes people will put out furniture they no longer want.

It’s also handy to bring gloves and a flashlight. If you’re unsure about the legalities of dumpster diving, it’s best to check with local authorities. 

9. College campuses on move-out day

College campuses are a gold mine on move-out day. Students throw away items they no longer need or cannot take home with them ALL THE TIME.

You should find out when the official move-out dates are for the colleges near you. These dates are always online on the college’s website. 

On move-out days, arrive early to the campus where students are likely to leave items. Carry tools such as a screwdriver or wrench in case you need to disassemble furniture so that it can fit in your car.

As always, make sure to inspect furniture for damage, pests, and other issues. 

10. NextDoor

NextDoor is a social networking platform that connects people in the same neighborhood or community. This is a great spot for finding free furniture locally. 

To get started, sign up for NextDoor and verify your address to join the specific neighborhood community where you live. Browse the “Free” section as members are constantly posting items that they are giving away for free.

You can even set up alerts for specific keywords. Set up alerts for furniture-related items, so you can get notified as soon as someone posts free furniture in your area.

If you aren’t having luck searching for items on NextDoor, consider creating a “Wanted” post. Be specific about the items you’re looking for and why you need the item.

11. Answer online surveys and get free gift cards for free furniture

While, this will take some time, because furniture is not cheap, one way is to earn free gift cards.

You can earn free gift cards by answering online surveys and doing other online tasks, and you can use these gift cards to help you get free furniture.

So, this would work like this – You could get free gift cards to places like Amazon or TJ Maxx as a reward for answering online surveys or earning points in other ways. You can simply collect gift cards until you reach the amount that you need to buy your wanted and essential household items.

Some of my favorite rewards sites are:

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

My sister gets free gift cards all the time, and just the other day, she logged into several of the accounts that she is signed up for (such as Fetch Rewards and Swagbucks) and turned in her points. This led to her getting $275 in free Amazon gift cards. She personally likes to wait until she has a lot of gift cards that she can redeem at once, like for furniture!

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about how to get free furniture.

Where is the best place to find free furniture?

The best places to find free furniture are Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Buy Nothing Groups, and college or university campuses (on the last day of the semester before summer break). 

Wherever you get furniture, it’s important to inspect items thoroughly for cleanliness and functionality before bringing it home. 

Is there a way to get free furniture for low income?

If you or your family is low income, there are several ways you can get free furniture.

Here are some tips:

  • Reach out to local charities or outreach programs and inquire about available resources.
  • Most Salvation Army locations provide assistance to families in need.
  • Some Goodwill’s also have programs for individuals facing economic challenges. Contact your local Goodwill to find out more information and to see if they have Goodwill Industries furniture vouchers to give away.
  • Local churches and community centers sometimes organize furniture drives or give resources to those in need.
  • See if there are any furniture banks, American Red Cross (such as if you’re a victim of natural disasters like hurricanes and floods), social services, veterans groups, victims of domestic violence groups, or welfare programs near you (depending on the eligibility criteria, of course).
  • If you’re in North Carolina and are looking for furniture assistance programs, a place to reach out to is Crisis Assistance Ministry in North Carolina.
  • Reach out to thrift stores and see if they give away furniture to low-income households.

Is it safe to get free furniture?

When getting free furniture, it’s important to prioritize safety and take certain precautions. When getting new furniture, make sure to inspect the item thoroughly. You don’t want to take items home with infestations like bedbugs or cockroaches.

You will also want to clean the furniture before bringing it inside your home by using appropriate cleaning agents to disinfect and sanitize. It’s also important to check for recalls on furniture. You can check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website to search for recalls. 

How To Get Free Furniture – Summary

I hope you learned some new ways when it comes to how to get free furniture.

Finding free furniture is possible with the right resources and patience. Resources, like Buy Nothing Groups, NextDoor, and other platforms, have many options for people in need of free furniture. 

Whether you are looking to furnish a small apartment or a big house, there are many places to get free furniture near you.

What’s your favorite way to find free furniture?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.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

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Do you shop online? If so, then you will want to use Capital One Shopping and read my Capital One Shopping Review. Capital One Shopping is one of the best coupon apps. This is a browser extension that finds coupon codes for you when you shop online. This is one of the best automatic savings…

Do you shop online? If so, then you will want to use Capital One Shopping and read my Capital One Shopping Review.

Capital One Shopping is one of the best coupon apps. This is a browser extension that finds coupon codes for you when you shop online.

This is one of the best automatic savings apps because you don’t have to do anything extra. The Capital One Shopping app does the work for you by running through available coupon codes as you check out, and then it automatically applies the best digital coupons for you and your purchase.

It’s free to use Capital One Shopping, and it is a browser extension that works with all major browsers.

You simply just shop as you normally do, and the Capital One Shopping app works in the background. I have it installed on my laptop; it works great and I am always able to find the best deals with no extra time spent on my end.

You can sign up for Capital One Shopping here.

Key Takeaways

  • Capital One Shopping has coupon finding, price comparison, and gives you rewards across a wide network of online retailers.
  • The tool is easily accessible as a browser extension or through the Capital One Shopping mobile app.
  • Rewards earned through the platform can be redeemed for gift cards at many popular stores.

Capital One Shopping Review

Below is my Capital One Shopping Review.

What is Capital One Shopping? How does Capital One Shopping work?

Capital One Shopping is your go-to tool for smart and easy online shopping.

Formally known as Wikibuy, this tool is a browser extension and a mobile app. You can add it to browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari. For when you’re shopping from your phone, the Capital One Shopping app is available for iOS and Android devices, so that you can make sure you’re saving money no matter where you are.

Here’s how it fits into your shopping routine: as you shop online, the extension automatically looks for lower prices and applicable coupon codes. If you’re thinking about buying a particular item, Capital One Shopping will let you know if it finds the same item at a better price elsewhere.

Capital One Shopping is even more rewarding too because you earn points for your purchases. These points can be redeemed for gift cards at many different retailers. So, you save money and get rewarded – it’s a win-win!

Capital One Shopping is designed to be easy for everyone, whether you’re good with technology or not. All you have to do is install it, shop, and you’ll save money. It’s that easy!

How do you download Capital One Shopping?

To start saving money with Capital One Shopping, you just need to download the browser extension or mobile app.

For your desktop, visit the Capital One Shopping website and click on the option to add the extension to your browser. If you’re on a smartphone, download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching “Capital One Shopping.”

You can download Capital One Shopping here.

7 Ways To Save Money With Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping has several different tools to make sure that you save the most money when shopping online. These tools include:

1. Automatically apply coupon codes

While shopping online, Capital One Shopping’s browser extension can automatically apply coupon codes at checkout.

This means you don’t have to look around the internet for coupons, as the tool seamlessly searches for and applies the best available codes for your purchases.

This is my favorite thing about Capital One Shopping. I love that I don’t have to look on a bunch of websites to find coupon codes. Instead, the Capital One Shopping browser extension does everything for me and helps me save money. This way, I don’t forget to enter coupon codes either, as it automatically does it for me!

According to my Capital One Shopping dashboard, this tool has saved me $1,047.26 since I started using it over 32 shopping transactions!

Screenshot of some of my rewards and savings.

2. Earn rewards points

As you shop with participating retailers, you can earn rewards points in your Capital One Shopping account.

You can then redeem these points for gift cards at different stores, giving you sort of like cash back on purchases you would be making anyway.

You simply just go to the Rewards & Savings tab when you are logged in on Capital One Shopping to see how much money you have available in shopping rewards. You can then exchange this for a gift card to places such as Adidas, American Eagle, Hotels.com, Kohl’s, Chewy, and so much more.

I recently redeemed my points for a $50 gift card to T.J.Maxx – couldn’t have been easier, as you don’t have to do anything extra.

3. Price comparison tool

Capital One Shopping’s price comparison tool helps shoppers find lower prices across different online stores.

Before you buy an item, this feature shows you where it may be available for less, sometimes including the costs of tax and shipping to give you a good idea of how much money you can save overall.

I really like this feature as sometimes the price can vary by a lot between different stores and even on Amazon. In fact, I was recently looking at furniture online, and the price difference from one store and another was nearly $500.

4. Price Protection

Note: This part of the program just ended. Here’s what they have said: “What happened to Price Protection? Capital One Shopping is no longer offering our Active Savings Monitoring/Price Protection product. We have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to reflect this change. We will still be offering many other opportunities for you to save with Capital One Shopping via our browser extension and emails.”

If you purchase an item and the price drops shortly after, Capital One Shopping tracks and alerts you to the price drops. It can help you request a refund for the difference without needing to monitor prices after you’ve made your purchase manually.

This is a nice feature, as it can save you a lot of money. I know I can’t be the only one who gets a little annoyed when I notice that something has dropped a lot in price right after I buy it. This feature can help you keep track of price drops so that you can maybe try to ask for a refund for the difference in price of an item.

For example, if you buy something for $50, but then the next week it drops to $25, you may be able to ask the online store for a refund of $25.

5. Capital One Shopping watchlist

Another great feature that Capital One Shopping offers is a watchlist.

You can add items to your Capital One Shopping watchlist and receive notifications if prices drop. It helps you be smart about when to buy things. When there’s a sale, it lets you know right away, so you can get the best deals.

To keep an eye on specific products, add them to your watchlist. When you view an item online that you’re interested in, click the Capital One Shopping icon or button to add it. You’ll get notifications, such as email alerts, if there’s a price drop or if a coupon code becomes available for that item.

6. Universal product search engine

This feature acts as a centralized search engine, comparing prices of a product across many different online stores. You can find where your desired item is selling for the least amount of money with minimum effort.

For example – if you are interested in a blender, you can simply just go straight to Capital One Shopping’s website and type in “blender” in their search bar.

It will then list out all of the deals and prices on blenders that the tool knows about. This way, you can just search for the best price on a blender on one site, instead of having to go to multiple sites to find the best deal.

7. Capital One Shopping hotels and travel

When planning travel, Capital One Shopping helps you find the lowest rates on hotels. Just like with products, it compares prices across a number of travel sites to help make sure that you’re getting a good deal on your accommodations.

You can find this feature when you are logged in on their website and heading to the Hotels tab. Then, just enter the location of where you want to travel to, the dates, and the amount of people you are traveling with.

How To Earn Gift Cards With Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping has a unique way for you to earn rewards that you can convert to gift cards. By using this service, your regular shopping activities can lead to even more easy savings.

With Capital One Shopping, earning gift cards is tied to the use of shopping credits. When you shop online with Capital One Shopping tools, you can earn shopping credits (also known as points or rewards) on your purchases.

Here’s how you can earn points with Capital One Shopping:

  • Automatic coupons – As you shop, the free browser extension automatically finds and applies coupons, which earns you shopping rewards.
  • Price comparison – If you buy a recommended deal, you can earn shopping credits.
  • Price drop alerts – When items you’ve looked at drop in price, purchasing them can also reward you with credits.

Redeeming points for gift cards

Redeeming your Capital One Shopping credits for gift cards is pretty easy. Once you’ve earned enough credits, you can exchange them for gift cards at places like Macy’s, Nike, Gap, DoorDash, T.J.Maxx, Lowe’s, and more.

To get a free gift card with Capital One Shopping:

  1. Check your balance – You can see how many points you have on the Capital One Shopping app under the Rewards & Savings tab.
  2. Choose your gift card – Select from the list of available gift cards within the Capital One Shopping portal.
  3. Confirm your redemption – Follow the prompts to exchange your credits for the gift card that you want.

I honestly didn’t even know that this was a feature of Capital One Shopping until recently. I was mainly just using this site for the promo code search feature (because it is soooo nice and easy to use!) for my online purchases. One day, I logged in and realized that I had enough points for a free gift card. It’s like a nice little bonus!

Capital One Shopping Alternatives

When you’re looking for the best deals online, you have several options other than Capital One Shopping. Each alternative has unique features that might fit your shopping habits differently.

Below, you can see how Capital One Shopping stacks up against other popular sites – Honey, Rakuten, and Fetch.

Capital One Shopping vs Honey

Capital One Shopping and Honey (also known as PayPal Honey) are very similar.

Honey also has a web browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout. Honey does not compare prices between different online stores, which is the main difference between the two apps.

You can sign up for PayPal Honey here.

Recommended reading: PayPal Honey Review

Capital One Shopping vs Rakuten

Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a popular cash back and shopping rewards program. It differs from Capital One Shopping mainly in its cash back model. Rakuten gives you a percentage of cash back on your purchases, depending on the store. Your earnings with Rakuten are distributed quarterly, whereas Capital One Shopping provides reward points that can be redeemed for gift cards.

All you do is click on a store that you want to shop through (they have tons of stores such as Walmart, Target, Old Navy, etc.) and shop just like how you normally would shop online.

When you sign up for Rakuten through my referral link, you can get a free $10 cash sign-up bonus.

Capital One Shopping vs Fetch

Fetch Rewards is a phone app that rewards you for grocery shopping (yes, just the normal grocery shopping that you do all the time!). With Fetch, you earn points by uploading shopping receipts, which can be exchanged for gift cards.

Capital One Shopping is more versatile since it works across different online retailers and automatically applies savings at checkout, not just on groceries.

But, Fetch is great for in-person shopping. If you’re looking for the best money-saving app for groceries, I’ve been using Fetch Rewards the last few months, and it is so easy to save on groceries and other daily purchases! All you have to do is take a picture of your receipt with your cell phone, and you can easily earn points. I scan any and all receipts into my Fetch Rewards app and can easily earn rewards. You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.

Recommended reading: Fetch Rewards Review (Is This App Legit?)

Capital One Shopping pros and cons

Knowing the pros and cons about the different sites can help you pick the right one. Capital One Shopping is great for finding coupon codes that actually work, comparing prices, and earning rewards that turn into gift cards. But maybe you like Rakuten for simple cash back, Honey for instant coupons, or Fetch for rewards on groceries.

Think about what matters most to you – getting discounts right away, having rewards, or sticking to a specific loyalty program. This way, you can choose the shopping rewards that suit you best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about Capital One Shopping.

Is Capital One Shopping safe and legit?

Yes, Capital One Shopping is both safe and legitimate. It’s a browser extension and app provided by a reputable financial services company (Capital One), endorsed by many different trusted websites, and has great user reviews. I personally have Capital One Shopping downloaded on my laptop and it has saved me a ton of money.

Is there a fee for Capital One Shopping? Do I have to pay with Capital One for Capital One Shopping?

Capital One Shopping is free to use, with no hidden fees. You don’t need to have a Capital One account or pay with a Capital One credit card to use this service. It’s a completely separate and free service.

How long does it take to get cash back from Capital One Shopping?

The time it takes to receive cash back from Capital One Shopping can vary. Once you’ve earned enough rewards, processing for cash back typically takes a few days to a few weeks.

How does Capital One Shopping make money?

I get it – this app has a ton of really nice features that can save you a lot of money. So, what’s the catch? The Capital One Shopping extension earns money through affiliate marketing. When you buy something through the extension, the store pays Capital One Shopping a commission.

Which is better for saving money: Capital One Shopping or Honey?

It’s hard to definitively say which is better, Capital One Shopping or Honey, as both offer similar features. Your choice might depend on which platform provides better deals or rewards for the stores you shop at.

Do I need a Capital One account to use Capital One Shopping?

No, a Capital One account isn’t necessary to use the Capital One Shopping browser extension. The service is available to anyone looking to save money online.

Is there a downside to Capital One Shopping?

Some users have noted limited cash-out options and shared concerns about privacy due to the data Capital One Shopping collects for personalized deals and offers.

Capital One Shopping Review – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my Capital One Shopping Review.

So, is Capital One Shopping worth it?

Capital One Shopping is one of the best money saving apps because it automatically applies coupon c odes when you’re shopping online at both popular retailers and smaller local ones. That means you don’t have to search for coupon codes, which can save you time and money.

Capital One Shopping can be a great tool for you if you love shopping online and want to save money. Here’s what you might like about it:

  • Automatic coupons – As you shop, the tool searches for and applies coupons to your purchases.
  • Reward credits – You earn them as you shop and can swap them for free gift cards.
  • Price comparison – You can see if another retailer has a better price on the items you want.
  • Price drop alerts – You get notifications if something you watch gets cheaper.

The tool is free and works as a browser extension or a mobile app. Your shopping becomes more efficient because you don’t have to look for deals or compare prices manually – Capital One Shopping does it for you.

So, is it worth it for you to use Capital One Shopping?

For me, the answer is yes – Capital One Shopping is definitely worth it. I have had Capital One Shopping downloaded on my laptop for a couple of years now, and this browser extension makes it so easy to save money when shopping online.

You can sign up for Capital One Shopping for free here.

What is your favorite money-saving browser extension?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Looking for the best summer jobs for teachers? Teachers, just like students, really enjoy the summer break. It’s a great time for them to relax and feel refreshed. But, this break can also be a chance for teachers to make extra money and even start a new business. I know many, many teachers who have…

Looking for the best summer jobs for teachers?

Teachers, just like students, really enjoy the summer break. It’s a great time for them to relax and feel refreshed. But, this break can also be a chance for teachers to make extra money and even start a new business.

I know many, many teachers who have side hustles in the summer. From part-time gigs to full-time summer businesses, there are many side jobs for teachers that you may want to try out.

Best Summer Jobs for Teachers

There are many summer jobs for teachers listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:

  • Flexible way to freelance – Proofreading
  • Side job for teachers from home – Blogging
  • How to make passive income as a teacher – Sell printables
  • Work as much or as little as you want – Flea market flipping
  • Creative job idea – Dog treat baker
  • Side job for teachers in summer – Grocery shopper
  • Camp counselor – If you love the outdoors, being a camp educator can be both rewarding and enjoyable, combining teaching with adventure activities.
  • Summer school teacher – Many schools have summer classes where you can continue teaching.

1. Teach summer school

One clear way for teachers to earn extra money in the summer is by teaching summer school.

It’s a good way to use your teaching abilities and make some additional income. The best part is that summer school happens during your summer break (big surprise, right?!), so it fits well with your schedule when you’re already off from regular school.

To start, check with your local school districts. A lot of them have summer school programs, and they usually share job opportunities on their websites or local education job boards.

2. Sell educational printables

Selling educational printables is a way for teachers to earn extra money. It’s especially good for those who want to make passive income as a teacher.

Your materials, like worksheets, lesson plans, and activities, are helpful to other teachers and parents looking for high-quality educational content.

Some places to sell your educational printables include:

  • Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) – This is a popular site where millions of teachers buy and sell original educational resources.
  • Etsy – This site is known for handmade items, but also is a great place for selling educational materials and printables.

Educational printables include things like math problems, vocabulary cards, and science experiments. They’re useful for different grades, age groups, and learning goals, making it simple to improve regular teaching or homeschooling. You can share these resources online or print them for in-person classes too.

Recommended reading: How I Make $400,000 Per Year Selling Educational Printables.

Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.

3. Flip used items for resale

Trying your hand at flipping items from flea markets and thrift shops can be a fun and money-making summer job for you as a teacher.

Flippers are people who find items at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores that are priced lower than their actual value. They then sell these items for a profit.

The summer is a great time to do this because there are typically a lot of yard sales, flea markets, and people just in general decluttering more (so you may find more things that people are giving away), where you can find items to resell.

Some items that you can buy and resell include clothing, antique furniture, collectible toys, sports equipment, electronics, rare books, jewelry, and more.

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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.

4. Tutor

During the summer, your teaching skills are still needed. Tutoring can be a flexible and fulfilling summer job that lets you work with students one-on-one either online or in person.

You may be able to tutor on subjects like math, foreign language, science, and more. You also may be tutoring kids, teenagers, or even adults.

To begin, you can look for tutoring jobs on online tutoring sites like Tutor.com. You can also sell in-person local tutoring sessions by reaching out to tutoring companies nearby or advertising your services on social media or in local Facebook parent groups for your area.

5. Camp counselor

Becoming a camp counselor could be a rewarding experience for you in the summer. In this job, you’d guide groups of children through indoor and outdoor activities, as well as educational programs at summer camps.

Your daily tasks would include keeping campers safe, organizing games, and giving both educational and emotional support.

Summer camps come in different types, ranging from general adventure camps to specialized ones focusing on sports, arts, or science.

6. Freelance bookkeeping gigs

If you like numbers and you’re a teacher, online bookkeeping can be a way to spend your summer.

A bookkeeper is someone who assists in managing and tracking the financial aspects of a business. They usually keep records of sales, track expenses, and generate financial reports.

People with virtual bookkeeping jobs work from home, handling their responsibilities remotely. Virtual bookkeeping is a great choice for remote work as all tasks can be completed online or with computer software, eliminating the need to go into an office physically.

Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs

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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.

7. Swim instructor

If you’re a teacher who loves the water, becoming a swim instructor for the summer could be the perfect seasonal job for you. Your educational background gives you the ability to communicate and manage classes, which are important skills for teaching swimming.

To find swim instructor jobs:

  1. Look on websites like Craigslist or Facebook for listings, including summer-specific roles.
  2. Check out local community centers, pools, and summer camps.
  3. Networking can help, so let friends and professional contacts know you’re looking.

Another job similar to this would be to become a lifeguard at a local pool.

8. Tour guide for local attractions

As a teacher, your ability to tell stories and lead can be very useful for a summer job as a tour guide. Your skill in explaining things well makes you a great choice to share history and local stories with visitors.

Check out jobs at museums, historical places, or become an ambassador for your city by guiding people to discover hidden treasures.

9. Pet care jobs

If you’re a teacher who loves animals, you may want to look into summer jobs in pet care, like being a dog walker or pet sitter. Your caring skills can easily transition to taking good care of furry friends while students are on break.

Rover is a website that connects pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. You can choose to do this job on weekends throughout the year or only open your schedule during the summer months – it’s your choice.

Starting on Rover is simple – you create a profile sharing your experience with pets and the services you can offer, such as dog walking, pet sitting, and house sitting.

After that, customers will send you requests, and you can discuss pricing. Rover handles the payment process, and you’ll get paid directly into your account.

Recommended reading: 7 Best Dog Walking Apps To Make Extra Money

10. Test prep instructor

As a teacher, your knowledge of academic subjects is very helpful, especially in the summer. Becoming a test prep instructor can be a great chance to help students in getting ready for their exams and earn extra money.

Test prep instructor jobs include subjects like math and English, and they cater to different education levels, from elementary school to college.

11. Sell your lesson plans

Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is a website made just for educators to buy and sell educational items, and it’s a well-liked side hustle for teachers. If you’ve created lesson plans, worksheets, or other teaching tools for your class, you can share them on TPT and make some extra income.

The school year may be over for you, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t create and sell lesson plans – these are bought year-round!

You can sell:

  • Lesson plans and unit studies
  • Worksheets and printable activities
  • PowerPoint presentations and interactive notebooks
  • Posters, charts, and visual aids

On Teachers Pay Teachers, the typical teacher can earn around an extra $300 to $500. However, some teachers make hundreds of thousands of dollars extra each year.

12. Coach a school sport

If you love sports and you’re a teacher, coaching a school sport during the summer might be a great match for your skills and interests.

Coaching a school sport is a great option within your own school district, as many schools need help with their sports teams. You can try coaching sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Additionally, there are opportunities with after-school clubs such as yearbook, chess, choir, and more that can be a teacher’s side hustle.

13. Run a dog bakery

Beginning a dog bakery can be an enjoyable side job for teachers who adore both dogs and baking. By creating treats for dogs such as cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more, you can earn an additional $500 to $1,000, or even more, each month.

Recommended reading: How I Make $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).

14. Sell handmade goods on Etsy

Etsy is a popular online marketplace that connects makers and shoppers looking for unique handmade goods. If you’re a teacher with a creative side, this could be a great site for you to showcase and sell your crafts during the summer months.

Some examples of what you can sell on Etsy that are related to school include:

  • Educational games and activities
  • Educational materials like lesson planners and printable worksheets
  • Handcrafted classroom decorations or educational games
  • Personalized items such as bookmarks, nameplates, or tote bags

But, you don’t have to only sell teaching-related items. You can sell many other things such as furniture, clothing, jewelry, soap, home decor, and more.

15. Work at a restaurant

Many teachers work part-time or full-time at a restaurant during the summer as servers, hosts, bartenders, and kitchen staff.

Working in restaurants can fit teachers well since they have flexible hours that can match your open summer schedule, and you can leave the job easily once school resumes in the fall.

I know many, many people who have done this, and I would say this is one of the top summer jobs for teachers.

16. Proofread

As a teacher, you likely excel at proofreading and can easily catch mistakes. Using these skills, proofreading can be a fantastic side job. By proofreading, you can help authors, website owners, students, and others in their writing while earning extra income.

Even the best writers can overlook errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why having a proofreader can be helpful for nearly everyone.

You can usually set your own hours, which is perfect for the irregular schedules you might have.

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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.

17. House sit

House sitting is a good option for teachers looking to make extra income during the summer months because a lot of people take vacations in the summer. As a house sitter, you are typically responsible for maintaining someone’s home while they are away. This can include watering plants, collecting mail, and making sure the house remains secure.

People hire house sitters to make sure their homes aren’t left empty, as a visible presence can discourage potential thefts.

To begin house sitting, you can join house-sitting websites to find gigs in your area or ask for referrals from friends and family. Starting with people you know for house-sitting and then using their references can expand your job search.

18. Blog

Blogging can be an enjoyable way for you, as a teacher, to earn extra money from home. Many teachers run blogs, and it makes sense – you can blog when you have free time, without sticking to a strict schedule.

To start your blog, first, pick a topic you’re passionate about, maybe something related to your teaching field or a hobby you enjoy. There are plenty of different niche ideas such as personal finance, travel, food, home, pets, and so much more.

You can earn money as a blogger through ways like:

  1. Affiliate marketing – Share links to products or services related to your blog topic and earn a commission for sales made through your referral links.
  2. Advertising – Add display ads or sponsored posts on your blog.
  3. Courses and ebooks – Create courses or ebooks in your expertise area and sell them through your blog.

Learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course.

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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?

In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

19. Freelance writing

If you’re looking for remote summer jobs for teachers, then becoming a freelance writer can be a great option.

Freelance writers create content for blogs, websites, magazines, newspapers, advertising companies, and more. You can find writing jobs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Also, you can find clients independently by reaching out to websites you are interested in writing for.

I have been a freelance writer for years, and it all started as a side hustle. This is a great side hustle because you can choose to work as much or as little as you want, such as if you are only looking to do freelance writing in the summer months when you are not teaching at a school.

Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Beginner Freelance Writing Jobs

20. Transcribe

An online transcriptionist’s role involves listening to video or audio files and typing out the content they hear. Various types of transcriptionists exist, including legal, general, and medical transcriptionists.

This job demands solid typing and listening skills, and the flexibility to work from home on your schedule. Transcriptionists typically earn an average of $15 to $30 per hour.

This is another great side hustle because you can choose to work as much or as little as you want, such as if you are only looking to make extra money during the summer months.

I recommend signing up for FREE Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? You’ll learn how to get started as a transcriptionist, how you can find transcription work, and more.

Recommended reading: 18 Best Beginner Online Transcription Jobs To Make $2,000 Monthly

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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.

21. Rent out an unused room in your home

If you have a spare room in your house, you might want to try renting it out over the summer. Platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo make it easy for you.

I have rented out rooms to others in the past, and it has been a great way to make extra money. If you live in a touristy area, this could even be a gig that you only do in the summers and earn enough to cover your bills or at least pay for some of them.

22. Rent your garage space

If you have available storage space like a garage, driveway, closet, basement, or attic, you might consider renting it out to make extra money. This can be a profitable side hustle without requiring much of your spare time.

Neighbor is a platform where you can list your extra space for rent and potentially earn up to $15,000 per year.

This is a gig that may take up more than just your summer because typically people may store their stuff more long-term. But, you may find some people who only need to store things a few months at a time or perhaps you can also try to turn this into a year-round side hustle.

Recommended reading: Neighbor Review: Make Money Renting Your Storage Space

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You can use this website to list your unused space for rent and make up to $15,000 per year by doing so. With Neighbor, you can rent out your garage, driveway, basement, parking lot, shed, warehouse, carport, attic, street parking, or even a closet.

23. Teach English as a second language

If you’re a teacher looking for a seasonal opportunity, teaching English as a second language (ESL) during the summer can be a rewarding experience.

Many institutions are looking to hire for ESL teaching jobs, ranging from local schools to international language camps and online platforms. Here’s how you can get started and what you might expect:

Typically, ESL teachers need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential like TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certification. Some positions abroad might have additional requirements.

24. Answer online surveys

If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra cash during the summer, answering online surveys could be a great fit. Companies are always in search of genuine feedback to improve their products or services, and your opinions are valuable.

Now, this won’t be a full-time job, but you share your thoughts and can make extra money or free gift cards on your own schedule.

The survey companies I recommend are:

  1. Swagbucks
  2. User Interviews – These are the highest paying surveys with the average being around $60 for an hour of your time.
  3. Branded Surveys
  4. American Consumer Opinion
  5. Pinecone Research
  6. PrizeRebel
  7. InboxDollars

Recommended reading: 18 Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month

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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.

25. Mystery shop

Companies hire mystery shoppers to gain insights into their customers’ experiences. They seek genuine opinions on products, feedback on customer treatment, evaluations of phone call interactions, and more. Mystery shoppers play a key role in providing valuable feedback to companies.

This is a great summer side hustle for teachers because you can simply pick up mystery shopping jobs when you need them. So, it’s completely okay and normal to only accept jobs during the summer.

Here’s what mystery shoppers do:

  • Visit businesses anonymously.
  • Complete specific tasks, such as purchasing a product or asking questions.
  • Record your observations.
  • Provide a detailed report on your experience.

I have done many secret shopping jobs over the years, and I often got mystery shops that provided me with $100 to cover a free dinner.

Recommended reading: How To Become A Mystery Shopper

26. Find gigs on Craigslist

Craigslist can be a goldmine for finding great summer jobs for teachers. It’s a site where individuals and businesses post quick jobs to make extra money.

You can find these gigs by going to the Craigslist website for your city or area. Right on the home page, you’ll spot a section labeled “Gigs.” This is where short-term job offers are posted, ranging from labor-intensive tasks to more skill-specific roles.

Here are some jobs I have found in the past on Craigslist:

  • Moving boxes to a new house
  • Deep cleaning a home
  • Putting together new furniture out of a box
  • Taking down a shed in a backyard
  • Handyman
  • Movie extra
  • Event parking help

27. Deliver groceries with Instacart

If you’re a teacher looking for flexible summer jobs for teachers, try delivering groceries with Instacart.

Grocery delivery services, like Instacart, are in demand as more people prefer having someone else do their grocery shopping.

Becoming a personal grocery shopper with services like Instacart can earn you an average of $15 to $20 per hour for delivering groceries. You’re paid per order, and you get to keep 100% of your tips. The flexibility allows teachers to choose their schedules, working in the evenings, on weekends, or even exclusively during the summer.

Recommended reading: Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?

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Instacart is a popular website for people looking to earn extra money shopping for and delivering groceries. Instacart gives you the option to turn your free time into a chance to make some extra money.

28. Real estate agent

If you’re a teacher looking for a productive way to spend your summer months, you may consider becoming a real estate agent.

Some teachers work as real estate agents alongside their full-time teaching jobs. This is possible because you can list and sell homes during weekends, breaks, evenings, and over the summer.

However, selling homes may have some challenges, as clients may occasionally require your full attention during the day, and you might be occupied with teaching. This is something to consider before getting into real estate as a side job.

29. Virtual assistant

If you’re a teacher looking for a flexible summer job that pays well, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) could be a perfect fit. As a VA, you can use your organizational skills and attention to detail to help businesses and entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home.

Some examples of what a VA does include:

  • Email management – Keep inboxes organized and respond to emails on behalf of your clients.
  • Scheduling – Manage calendars, arrange meetings, and send reminders.
  • File organization – Keep digital files in order using online tools like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs

30. Drive for Uber or Lyft

Driving for Uber or Lyft can give you a flexible way to earn money during your summer break.

You get to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you desire, meaning you can align this job with your summer plans.

31. Library assistant

As a teacher, your skills are a natural fit for a summer position as a library assistant. Libraries often seek additional staff during the summer months, providing a great opportunity for you to engage in a role that supports literacy and learning in a calm environment.

Your job may include doing things such as:

  • Organizing books – Keeping the library orderly and materials easy to access
  • Circulation desk duties – Checking books in and out for people
  • Helping library users – Helping visitors find books and resources, and answering inquiries

You can simply contact libraries near you to see if they are hiring.

32. Driver’s ed teacher

Teaching driving lessons to teenagers and adults is a popular side hustle for teachers. If you’re interested, you can check if the high school near you needs a teacher for this subject. Alternatively, reach out to a local driving school to inquire about potential teaching opportunities.

Driving instructors make around $20 an hour more or less, depending on where you live.

Back when I was in high school, I actually took my driver’s ed course at my high school in the summer. It was an easy summer credit, and I also got a discount on my car insurance. One of the teachers taught this course and it seemed fairly easy (other than having to deal with a bunch of us high school students over the summer who were wanting to learn how to drive, ha!).

33. Babysitting

Babysitting can be a side job for teachers, and depending on your location, you might earn around $15 to $25 per hour. Parents tend to prefer hiring teachers as babysitters due to their extensive experience with children.

Becoming a babysitter can be a great way to make extra money in the summer as well, as you can choose to sign up for babysitting jobs that are only during this time.

Plus, many families need extra help during the summer because school is not in session, but the parents still have to work. That is where you come in!

Another job similar to this would be elderly companion care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about finding summer jobs for teachers.

Do teachers still make money during the summer?

Yes, many teachers do receive income during the summer, especially if their annual salary is distributed over 12 months. However, if you’re paid only for the months you work, looking for summer employment can supplement your income during this period. Not all teachers have summer gigs, but those who want to make income in addition to their teacher salaries may try to find something in the summer.

What is the best summer job for a teacher?

The best summer job for a teacher often capitalizes on their skill set. Positions like tutoring, educational program coordination, or teaching summer school are highly relevant options. Teachers might also consider roles in curriculum development or educational content creation.

What jobs exist for substitute teachers looking for summer employment?

Substitute teachers can find summer jobs in other educational roles, such as tutoring, mentoring, or working in summer camps. Many community centers and educational institutions also look for qualified professionals to lead summer workshops or help with childcare programs.

What are some summer jobs for teachers from home?

Teachers looking for summer jobs from home can find opportunities such as online tutoring or virtual summer school teaching. Other side gig ideas include writing content for websites, blogging, transcribing, and more.

Best Summer Jobs for Teachers – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on the best summer jobs for teachers.

As you can see, there are many ways to make extra money over your summer vacation.

Teachers have lots of options during the summer. They can stick with education by teaching summer school or tutoring. Or, they can try something new like being a camp counselor or giving local tours.

Teachers who like trying out new things might sell educational printables, sell things for profit, or sell services like pet care or freelance writing.

What do you think are the best jobs for teachers in the summer?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com