rewards

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

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

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

Why Track Home Improvement Costs?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Qualifying vs Nonqualifying Improvements

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

Qualifying Improvements

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

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

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

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

•   Exterior: Storm windows, roofing, doors, siding

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

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

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

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

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

Nonqualifying Expenses

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

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

Recommended: The Costs of Owning a Home

How to Track Your Costs

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

Before You Renovate

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

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

Recommended: How to Make a Budget in 5 Steps

Keep Detailed Records

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

Catch Up After the Fact

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

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

Consult a Tax Pro

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

Home Improvement Financing Options

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

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

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

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

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

The Takeaway

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

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

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

Photo credit: iStock/Cucurudza

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

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

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

²

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Source: sofi.com

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

Do you want to make money from your phone?

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

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

Best Ways To Make Money From Your Phone

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

1. Answer surveys

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

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

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

Some of the paid online survey companies I recommend are:

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

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

2. Sell photos

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

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

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

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

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

Stock photography includes pictures of things such as:

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

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

3. Instacart Shopper

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. JustAnswer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended reading: 28 Ways To Get Paid To Text

5. DoorDash

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

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

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

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

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

Please click here to sign up for DoorDash.

6. Fiverr

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

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

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

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

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

7. RentAFriend

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

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

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

Here’s how it works:

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

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

8. Papa app

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

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

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

9. BetterHelp therapist

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

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

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

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

10. Play games on your phone

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

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

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

  1. KashKick
  2. Swagbucks
  3. InboxDollars

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

Recommended reading: 23 Best Game Apps To Win Real Money

11. User Testing

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

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

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

Here’s how it works:

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

Payments are usually made through online services like PayPal.

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

12. Sell used items online

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

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

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

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

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

13. Sell your data

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

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

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

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

14. Instagrammer

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

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

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

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

15. Get paid to walk

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

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

Getting paid is easy:

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How can I use my phone to make money?

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

How can I make passive income on my phone?

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

How can teenagers earn money using mobile apps?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Make Money From Your Phone – Summary

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

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

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

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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Source: nerdwallet.com