27 Methods to Get Free Cash Now (Legit Ways in which Truly Work!)

From cash-back apps and sign-up bonuses to refunds, government programs and even unclaimed funds, there are plenty of easy ways to earn money that you don’t have to pay back.

In this post, I’ll show you how to get free money using legal, simple methods that anyone can try. Whether you need extra free cash fast or want to stack small wins over time, these ideas can help your bank account grow a lot with little effort.

Free Government Money (Yes, Really)

Think the government never gives out free money?

Think again. From unclaimed refunds to forgotten bonds and little-known programs, there are legitimate ways to get free money directly from federal and state agencies.

We’re not talking about scams or loopholes, this is real cash you might already be entitled to.

Below are some totally legal, no-strings-attached ways to track down free government money you don’t have to pay back. Some take just a minute to check!

1. Unclaimed.org: State-Run Unclaimed Property Search

Unclaimed.org is one of those sites most people should know about but have no idea it even exists.

It is the official site of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).

What it does is pretty cool. It connects you directly to your state’s unclaimed property office, where you can search for things like forgotten bank accounts, insurance payouts, and more.

It’s a safe, government-backed way to track down free money you didn’t even know you had.

2. MissingMoney.com: Unclaimed Funds from States

Another site that lets you search for any missing money you

Over the years, people lose track of things like old paychecks, utility deposits, insurance refunds, and more.

MissingMoney.com is a free, government-endorsed website that helps you search for unclaimed money in your name across multiple U.S. states and even some Canadian provinces.

Just type in your name and hit search. You can also search by business name if you are a business owner.

I have read so many first-hand accounts of people who have found hundreds and even thousands of dollars that were owed to them in just a few clicks.

By the way, the site adds new properties often, so make sure to go back and search every once in a while.

3. IRS Refunds: Track Down Old or Missing Refunds

Think the IRS owes you a tax refund?

It might still be out there. The IRS Refunds page lets you track the status of current or past refunds and even helps if you never received a refund check that was mailed.

It’s one of the easiest ways to reclaim free money that’s rightfully yours, especially if you’ve moved or changed banks.

You know how the government will hunt you down and get every single cent you owe to them, but if they owe you money, they are not going to go out of their way to give it back. So it’s on you to find those due refunds and ask for them to be paid.

4. Treasury Hunt: U.S. Securities and Undeliverable Payments

If you or a family member ever owned U.S. savings bonds or Treasury securities, there might be money sitting in your name.

The Treasury Hunt tool from the U.S. Department of the Treasury is an easy tool that helps you search for undeliverable payments or matured bonds you never cashed in.

It only takes a minute to check and it’s totally free. So it’s worth a shot.

5. HUD/FHA Mortgage Insurance Refunds

If you had a HUD or FHA-backed mortgage in the past, you might be owed a refund.

The HUD refund search tool lets you quickly check if you’re due any money from mortgage insurance you paid.

It’s usually overlooked, but people have claimed hundreds (even thousands) this way, money they didn’t even realize was theirs.

You could be owed money too. You never know. So make sure to search the site.

6. Credit Union Unclaimed Shares

Left a credit union years ago and forgot to close your account?

There could be money sitting in unclaimed shares.

You can check through the NCUA’s unclaimed deposits database, which helps people track down funds from closed or inactive credit union accounts.

It’s another quick and easy way to reclaim forgotten cash that most of us don’t even know about.

7. U.S. Courts: Unclaimed Funds in Bankruptcy

Sometimes, money gets left behind in bankruptcy cases.

And as we know, the government is not the best at giving money back. So a lot of times, the court may not have your current address, so your money never gets sent to you.

If your name was involved in a bankruptcy (even as a creditor), you might be entitled to unclaimed funds.

To find out, use the U.S. Courts’ unclaimed funds locator to check your name.

It’s one of those little-known sources of free money that’s actually legit.

Free Government Assistance

While most people think of cash-back apps or bonuses when it comes to free money (and those are great too), there are also some surprisingly helpful programs run by the government that can save or even send you money.

These aren’t gimmicks. They’re real, often overlooked resources that many folks qualify for and never use.

Here are a few worth checking out.

8. SNAP (Food Assistance)

Groceries aren’t cheap. The SNAP program is a great program that can help low-income people afford groceries.

Check the site to see if you qualify. If you do, the program gives you a monthly balance to buy food, no strings attached.

9. FAFSA (College Grants)

Thinking about school?

Filling out the FAFSA could unlock free money for college through grants you don’t have to pay back.

10. LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)

Struggling with heating or cooling bills?

LIHEAP can help cover those costs, especially during extreme weather months.

11. Childcare Support

Every parent knows childcare is expensive, but there’s help.

Many state and local programs offer financial assistance so parents can work or go to school without breaking the bank.

Don’t Miss Out: Find Free Government Money You Qualify For

By the way, there might be other benefits you qualify for but don’t even know about.

A lot of people miss out just because they haven’t heard of them or forgot to apply.

So how do you find them?

The best tool I’ve found is Benefit.gov. It’s an official website from the U.S. government. With its easy Benefit Finder tool, you can search the government database to see if there’s any money or benefits you qualify for. Then it gives you clear steps on how to claim it.

This video from Benefits.gov shows you how to use their Benefit Finder tool to find government programs you might qualify for and make sure you don’t miss out on free money.

Free Money for College and Education

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know student loans and debts have been a huge topic of discussion for the past few years.

We all know going to college is damn expensive. So paying for school can feel overwhelming.

The good news is that there’s plenty of free money available for students that you don’t have to pay back.

Grants and scholarships are two of the best ways to cover tuition, books, and other expenses without adding debt.

Many of these funds come from the government, schools, or private organizations.

And no, you don’t have to be a straight-A student or a superstar athlete to qualify. The key is knowing where to look and applying early.

Here are some legit, easy-to-access grants and scholarships worth checking out:

12. Federal Pell Grant

This is the most common federal grant for undergraduates with financial need. It doesn’t have to be paid back and can cover thousands of dollars toward tuition each year.

13. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

For students with exceptional financial need, this grant offers extra help on top of the Pell Grant. Funds are limited, so apply early!

14. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

If you plan to teach in a high-need field or low-income area, this grant can get you up to $4,000 per year. Just be sure to meet the service requirements to avoid repayment.

15. College Board Scholarship Search

A huge database of scholarships from thousands of sources, filtered by your interests, background, and goals. A great place to find awards you might not hear about otherwise.

16. Fastweb Scholarship Search

Another popular and easy-to-use scholarship search platform that matches you with opportunities based on your profile and preferences.

17. Free Sign-Up Bonuses: Get Paid Just for Joining

Some sites and apps will actually pay you just for signing up.

Whether it’s a cashback site, a survey panel, or an investing app, these companies offer free money to get you in the door.

You don’t have to buy anything to earn,  just sign up and follow a few simple steps.

Here are a few examples:

• Swagbucks ($10): Get a free $10 bonus when you join. Sign up here.
• Rakuten ($10): Earn a $10 bonus for joining. Sign up here.
• InboxDollars ($5): New users get $5 just for creating an account. Sign up here.
• M1 Finance ($30): Open an investment account and deposit to get $30.
• Acorns ($5): Get $5 free when you open a new investment account.
• MyPoints ($10): Join to earn a $10 Amazon gift card.
• Robinhood ($5 – $200): Get free stock just for signing up.
• Coinbase (Up to $200): Get up to $200 for opening an account.
• Stash ($25) Get a sign-up bonus of $25 when you invest $5.

Normally you don’t have to do anything extra. Just visit their official site and sign up. The bonus will show up in your account automatically.

Important

Please keep in mind that these sign-up bonuses are current as of the time of writing. Companies change their promotions and offers all the time, so the amounts and requirements may be different by the time you read this.

To find the most up-to-date bonuses, visit the official website of each app or service. You can usually find their latest sign-up deals on their homepage or promotions page. It’s always a good idea to double-check before signing up.

18. Referral Bonuses

One of the easiest ways to earn free money is by referring friends to apps, services, or products you already use and like.

Most companies reward you with a cash bonus or credits when your friends sign up using your unique referral link.

It’s a win-win, your friends get something valuable, and you get paid!

Here are a few solid referral programs to check out:

• Robinhood: Up to $200 in Free Stock
• Acorns: $5 Bonus for Each Friend
• Cash App: $5 Cash for Each Referral
• SoFi Money: $50 for You and Your Friend
• Chime: $50 for You and Your Friend

Referral bonuses can add up quickly, especially if you share with friends who trust your recommendations. Just remember to use your genuine experiences to keep it honest and helpful!

19. 401(k) Matching: Free Money for Your Retirement

If you have a job that offers a 401(k) retirement plan, you might be leaving free money on the table if you’re not taking advantage of 401(k) matching. This is basically your employer pitching in extra cash to your retirement savings, on top of what you contribute.

Think of it like a bonus that grows tax-deferred and helps build your future nest egg faster.

Most companies match a percentage of your contributions, usually up to a certain limit, so it’s smart to contribute at least enough to get the full match.

It’s literally free money that your employer is giving to you. You’d be crazy not to take it!

Want to learn more about how 401(k) matching works and how to maximize it?

Check out this official resource from the U.S. Department of Labor.

For official information straight from the IRS, check out their guide on Matching Contributions Help You Save More for Retirement. It explains how matching works, provides examples, and offers tips on how to maximize this benefit.

20. Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses: Free Cash Just for Spending

Free money and credit cards?

Ok, I know that sounds weird, but hear me out.

Credit card sign-up bonuses are one of the easiest ways to snag free money, just for using a card like you normally would.

Here’s how it works:

You open a new credit card that offers a sign-up bonus, spend a certain amount within a few months (usually $500–$4,000 in the first 3 months), and boom, you get a bonus.

That could mean $200 in cash, a stack of airline miles, or even hotel points.

A few tips to make it worth it:

• Only apply for cards with bonuses you can comfortably meet.
• Pay off your balance in full. No bonus is worth credit card interest.
• Pick rewards that fit your lifestyle (cash back, travel, groceries, etc.).

Now I admit, this can be a very slippery slope for those of us who have a hard time using credit cards responsibly. So please don’t just get a new credit card for that bonus money.

And if you do get a card, the most important tip I can give you is to use it only to pay for things you have the money to pay for at that moment.

If you can’t buy that item without a credit card, don’t use a card to buy it.

The best way to use a credit card (and still get all the bonuses) is to use it to pay for gas, groceries, monthly bills, etc., then pay off the whole balance each month.

That way you don’t end up paying interest that could easily be close to 30%. That would nullify any “free money” you get from using the card.

To compare offers and learn how credit cards work, check out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s credit card guide. It’s a helpful, unbiased resource straight from the government.

21. Bank Account Sign-Up Bonuses: Easy Cash for Switching Banks

With so many banks, banks have been getting creative trying to lure in new customers.

One way they do that is by giving sign-up bonuses for new accounts.

With bank account sign-up bonuses, you can earn anywhere from $100 to $500 (or more) just for opening a new checking or savings account and meeting a few simple requirements.

Usually, you’ll need to:

• Open a new account (checking or savings).
• Set up direct deposit or deposit a minimum amount.
• Keep the account open for a few months.

It’s free money for doing what you’d probably do anyway, just be sure to read the fine print so you don’t get hit with hidden fees or minimum balance requirements.

Here are a few examples:

• Chase Bank: $200 to $500
• Bank of America: $100 to $300
• Wells Fargo: $200 to $300
• Citi Bank: $200 to $700
• Capital One: $200 to $500
• Discover Bank: $200 to $300
• PNC Bank: $200 to $300
• TD Bank: $150 to $300
• U.S. Bank: $150 to $300
• HSBC Bank: $200 to $300

These amounts can vary depending on the account type and current promotions. They also change from time to time since banks create new promotional campaigns. So keep that in mind.

Need help understanding bank accounts or comparing your options?

The FDIC’s guide to choosing a bank account is a solid, non-promotional resource.

22. Bill Negotiation Apps: Let Apps Lower Your Bills for You

Hate calling customer service to haggle over your internet or cable bill, or to cancel your subscription to the gym you haven’t set foot in for months?

You’re not alone.

A lot of us have too many subscription plans and recurring bills that we sometimes keep paying for them even if we don’t use them anymore.

Thankfully, bill negotiation apps can do the hard work for you. These apps can save you money with zero effort on your part.

These apps contact your service providers on your behalf, negotiate lower rates, cancel unused subscriptions, or get you refunds on things like late fees or outages. In most cases, you only pay if they save you money.

This is legitimately one of the easiest and most practical ways to get totally free money. Sure, it was yours to begin with, but once it had left your bank account, it was no longer yours, so getting it back is like getting free money back.

Here are a few top-rated options to check out:

Rocket Money

You’ve probably seen their ads on TV or online a hundred times.

Maybe you never even really paid attention to it. But you should as it can save you a lot of money with just a few licks.

Here’s how it works:

Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) reviews your recurring bills and tries to lower them by negotiating with companies like Comcast, Spectrum, and AT&T.

It also helps cancel unwanted subscriptions which god knows we all have way too many of, lol.

Download the app and give it a try.

Trim

Trium is another popular finance app. Trim’s main feature is negotiating bills, especially cable, internet, and phone.

It also tracks subscriptions, analyzes your spending, and can even help negotiate medical bills.

You only pay a percentage of what it saves you.

Billshark

Billshark takes care of bill negotiation and subscription cancellation.

You upload your bills, and they handle the rest. Some of their users report up to 25% savings. So it’s worth a shot.

And yes, they work with most major service providers.

23. Cash Back Apps: Free Money from Stuff You Already Do

Earning cashback is the original way of getting free money!

I mean, if you’re spending money, you might as well earn some of it back.

And with cashback apps, it’s easier than ever.

Cash back apps reward you for shopping, whether it’s groceries, clothes, online orders and even gas.

Some even stack with coupons or credit card rewards, giving you even more free money.

Here are a few of the best ones to try:

Ibotta

With Ibotta you can earn cash back on everyday purchases, especially groceries.

All you have to do is upload your receipt or link your store loyalty account and get rewarded for items you already bought.

Every upload earns you a certain amount. Then, once you have $20 in your account you can cash out to PayPal, bank account, or gift cards.

Rakuten

If you’ve been a regular here at MoneyPantry, you’ve probably heard us talk about Rakuten plenty of times, even back when it was still called eBates.

And for good reason.

Rakuten gives you cash back when you shop online at thousands of popular stores like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

It’s super easy to use, too. Just activate offers through their app or browser extension and earn cash back while you shop.

Now, “activate offer” basically means that instead of going directly to a retailer’s website, you log into your Rakuten account, search for the store, and click the link to visit the site from there. That way, Rakuten can track your visit and reward you with cash back.

Of course, Rakuten earns a percentage from the store for referring you, but that doesn’t mean you pay more. In fact, sometimes you actually pay less than you would by going to the store’s site directly. That’s because Rakuten often negotiates exclusive deals, coupons, and promo codes just for its users.

You get paid every quarter via check or PayPal.

Fetch

Fetch Rewards is super simple. All you have to do is snap a photo of any receipt (yes, any), and earn points you can redeem for gift cards.

What I especially like about Fetch is that you don’t need to clip or activate offers.

Once you have 3,000 points (equal to $3) you can redeem your earnings for gift cards for hundreds of stores including Amazon, Starbucks, AirBnB and more.

Oh, you can also use your earnings to enter cash sweepstakes. Or you can decide to donate your earnings to a charity.

It’s simple, fast, and totally free to use.

Upside

If you drive a car but aren’t using Upside, you are literally leaving free cash at the pump when you put gas in your car!

Yes, Upside gives you cashback every time you buy gas.

But it gets better!

While it was originally focused on cashback for gas, it now offers cash back on groceries and restaurants too. So yeah, that coffee or snack you get at the gas station while you fuel up your car, you can get cashback on those too!

You can cash out your earnings to your bank, PayPal, or gift cards anytime.

24. Enter Cash Giveaways: Win Real Money from Legit Contests

What better way to get free money than to win it?

I know, I know, nobody ever wins those sweepstakes and giveaways, right?

But believe it or not, some people actually do win free money from giveaways.

A lot of us genuinely feel like it’s all a scam. But the truth is, people do win.

Companies, brands, and even blogs regularly offer cash prizes to promote their products or grow their audiences. And legally, companies can’t run sweepstakes without having a winner (or winners). Otherwise, it could be considered false advertising, fraud, or a deceptive business practice, which is illegal.

Now the winner might not be me, you, or anyone we know, but someone wins those sweepstakes.

So, it’s not a scam!

That said, there are scams out there. And it takes more than luck to win.

The trick?

Stick to legit, well-known sweepstakes directories and avoid anything that asks for payment or sensitive info upfront.

Most are free to enter and only take a few minutes.

Now finding legit sweepstakes one by one could be time-consuming. But the good news that there are some sites that act as sort of sweepstakes directories where you can brows and search for the latest legit sweepstakes to enter.

Here are a few trusted places to find real cash giveaways:

Sweepstakes Advantage

This is one of the oldest and most active sweepstakes directories out there.

You can filter by daily entries, instant wins, or cash-only prizes.

It’s free to use and updated constantly.

Sweepstakes Fanatics

This is a small website but a very good source for dining legit sweepstakes to enter.

It is clean and easy to navigate with tons of legit giveaways. They include big brand contests, cash sweepstakes, and vacation giveaways, all vetted for safety.

Contestgirl

I love this website!

It’s a small site owned and operated by a single person (named Linda) who genuinely loves sweepstakes.

It takes me back to the early 2000s internet, when people made websites just for the fun of it, before every site was owned by a major company trying to squeeze every last dime out of you with ads and nonstop sales pitches.

Anyway, she finds and adds new sweepstakes to the site almost every day.

You can search by prize type (like cash only) and even track which contests you’ve entered. It’s great for both beginners and serious sweepers alike.

Sweepstakes by Brands

A lot of major companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, McDonald’s, and Walmart, run sweepstakes on their official websites or apps from time to time.

These are generally safe and legit, so make sure to enter those when you come across them.

To find them, you can either check their websites directly or follow them on their social media pages since that’s usually where they announce new promotions first.

25. Money from Survey Sites

If you’ve got a few spare minutes and don’t mind answering questions about products or habits, survey sites can be an easy way to earn free money online.

Most let you cash out via PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit after hitting a small earnings threshold.

These are some of the best legit survey platforms that pay:

Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is one of the higher paying survey sites.

Now, instead of direct cash, you earn points for every survey you complete. And that can be off-putting for some people. But the good news is that once you hit 500 points ($5), you can cash out via PayPal or gift cards.

American Consumer Opinion

ACOP is one of the oldest and most respected survey sites out there. It doesn’t have tons of surveys like some of the other sites, but the few they do have are higher-paying surveys.

You get paid from a few dollars to $50+ per survey depending on the topic. You can cash out via PayPal or Check.

Swagbucks

I feel like everybody knows about Swagbucks. But what you may not know is that not only do they pay you for surveys, but you also get paid for watching videos, playing games and even shopping.

You earn points for these activities (called SB).

Your points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards starting at just $1.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars is similar to Swagbucks. You can earn cash for taking surveys, reading emails, and playing games.

What I like about ID is that, unlike many other survey and rewards sites, it pays you in real dollars (not points).

The minimum for cashing out is $15 (which isn’t that hard to reach), and you can cash out via PayPal, Visa gift cards, or direct bank transfer.

Oh, and by the way, they give you a $5 sign-up bonus just for joining (which is 100% free!).

PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel is another great rewards site that works kind of like InboxDollars.

You can earn money by taking surveys, watching videos, and completing simple offers.

What I like is that it gives you lots of ways to earn, and you can cash out pretty fast, once you hit just $5.

They pay you through PayPal, gift cards (like Amazon and Visa), and even BitCoin.

And yep, signing up is totally free, and they often have little bonus opportunities just for being active.

26. Free Cash from Class Action Settlements

Ever bought a product that turned out to be part of a lawsuit?

You might be owed money and not even know it!

The best part?

You don’t need a lawyer or a court date. If you qualify, you can often just fill out a short online form and wait for your check.

Here are a few legit websites where you can find open class action settlements:

• Top Class Actions

  One of the most well-known directories. You can browse current settlements, sign up for email alerts, and file claims directly on the site.

• ClassAction.org

  Another trusted source that lists open and pending settlements. Also offers updates on lawsuits you may be able to join.

• Consumer Action Class Action Database

  A nonprofit-run site that tracks class action lawsuits and settlements. Easy to search and filter by category.

• Class Action Rebates

  Focuses on helping you find rebates and settlements you can claim without much effort. Simple and straightforward.

If you see a product or service you’ve used, check the details. If you’re eligible, submit your claim and let the free money come to you.

Here’s another little tip:

Sometimes individual products or brands have their own settlements listed on websites with names like “BrandNameSettlement.com.”

For example:

• FacebookBiometricSettlement.com: Paid millions to users over its use of facial recognition without consent.
• EquifaxBreachSettlement.com: Offered money and credit monitoring after the massive 2017 data breach.
• WalmartWeightedGroceriesSettlement.com: Paid shoppers who bought certain weighted items like meat or seafood that were allegedly overpriced.
• AppleBatteriesSettlement.com: Gave payouts to users affected by the iPhone battery slowdown issue.
• JuulClassAction.com: Covered people who purchased JUUL products, related to marketing and health claims.
• RoundupSettlement.com: For users who were exposed to Roundup weed killer and filed health-related claims.
• TikTokDataPrivacySettlement.com: Offered money to users over concerns about how TikTok handled personal data.

These kinds of cases pop up all the time, and the claims process is usually quick and easy. So it’s worth checking once in a while. You could get free money for something you didn’t even know had a lawsuit.

Keep in mind that these kinds of brand-specific settlements don’t always show up on big directories, so doing a quick Google search using the brand name plus “class action lawsuit” or “settlement” can help you find ones you qualify for.

It’s an easy way to get free money you might not even know you’re owed.

27. Other Cool Apps That Give You Free Money

These days, they are apps for almost anything.

And for our purpose (getting free money) this is good since there are apps that pay you free cash for doing almost anything you can think of.

These apps are simple to use and can give your cash flow a nice little boost without much effort.

Here are a few favorites worth checking out!

Sweatcoin: Get Paid Just for Walking

Sweatcoin tracks your steps and rewards you with “coins” you can trade for gift cards, gear, or even cash.

If you’re already walking every day, why not make some money from it?

The app is free and super easy to use, making it a no-brainer if you want to turn your daily steps into extra cash.

Obviously, you are not gonna make hundreds of dollars every month, but if you already walk, even a few dollars is worth it since it’s free money!

Evidation: Earn Money for Healthy Habits

Evidation (also known as Achievement) pays you for staying active and healthy.

Just connect your fitness tracker or health apps, and earn points for walking, logging meals, meditating, and more.

Once you hit 10,000 points (that’s $10), you can cash out via PayPal.

Shopkick: Earn Rewards Just for Shopping

Shopkick gives you “kicks” (points) for walking into stores, scanning products, and making purchases at popular retailers.

You can turn those kicks into gift cards for places like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks. So even if you’re just browsing your favorite shops, you’re earning rewards.

Mistplay: Get Paid to Play Mobile Games

If you’re into mobile games, Mistplay is a legit app that rewards you for trying new games and leveling up.

The more you play, the more points you rack up.

And those points can be cashed out for gift cards.

It’s free, fun, and a cool way to make money if you enjoy gaming.

Best Free Money Options at a Glance (Quick Comparison Table)

This post covers a lot of ways to get free money. From sign-up bonuses and cashback apps to government programs and more. It can be a lot to sort through.

So I made a simple chart to help you out. It’ll show you how much you can earn, what you need to do, and how fast you can get paid. This way, you can pick the options that work best for you.

Type of Free Money	How Much You Can Get	What You Need to Do	How Fast You Get Paid
Money from the Government	Varies (can be hundreds or more)	Apply for programs you qualify for	Weeks to months
Free Government Assistance	Varies	Apply based on income, need, or status	Weeks to months
Money for College	Up to thousands	Apply for grants and scholarships	Varies (semester-based)
Sign-Up Bonuses	$5 to $100+	Join a site or app and complete a small task	Same day to a few weeks
Referral Bonuses	$5 to $50+	Refer friends or family to services	Usually after they sign up or qualify
401(k) Matching	Up to thousands yearly	Contribute to your retirement plan	Each paycheck
Credit Card Bonuses	$100 to $1,000+	Spend a set amount within a timeframe	After meeting spending requirement
Bank Account Sign-Up Bonuses	$100 to $500+	Open an account and meet deposit or activity requirements	Few weeks to a couple of months
Bill Negotiation Apps	Up to hundreds saved per year	Let apps negotiate your bills or find savings	Varies (some savings are ongoing)
Cash Back Apps	$5 to $20+ per month	Shop, scan receipts, or activate offers	Instantly to a few days
Cash Giveaways	$10 to $1,000+	Enter online or social media giveaways	Depends on giveaway rules
Money from Survey Sites	$1 to $100/month	Complete surveys and simple tasks	1–5 days after completing tasks
Free Cash from Class Action Settlements	$5 to $100+	File a claim if you’re eligible	Usually months after case closes
Other	$5 to $50+	Try apps with special offers or rewards	Varies by app

Hopefully, this table saves you some time and helps you see all the options and compare them quickly.

That said, you don’t have to use just one or the other. Take advantage of as many options as you can. Besides a few (like college grants and government-related benefits), most others are open to everyone. So, you can use all of them together to get even more free cash.

A Quick Heads Up About Cash Advances

Cash advances might seem like free money since you get cash fast from your credit card or payday loan apps.

But here’s the thing…

They usually come with ridiculously high fees and crazy interest rates that can trap you in debt.

Unlike the other options I talked about, cash advances aren’t really free. You have to pay them back, and often with extra charges that add up fast.

So if you’re thinking about using one, please make sure you know all the costs and have a plan to pay it off quickly.

When it comes to free money, it’s way better to stick with legit options that don’t cost you extra, like sign-up bonuses, government programs, or apps that pay you to walk or take surveys.

FAQ: How to Get Free Money

Got questions about getting money for free?

Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Is free money real?

Yes, free money is definitely real. There are a lot of ways to get it like cash back, sign-up bonuses, government assistance, or rewards from apps.

What’s the easiest way to get free money fast?

Signing up for apps with cash bonuses or cashback rewards is usually the quickest way. Some apps pay you within days after meeting simple requirements like making a purchase or uploading a receipt.

Can I get free money from the government?

Yes! There are programs like SNAP for food assistance, FAFSA for college grants, and LIHEAP for energy help that provide real financial support. These aren’t handouts but valuable resources if you qualify.

Are survey sites worth my time to earn free money?

Survey sites won’t make you rich, but they’re a legit way to earn some extra cash or gift cards during your free time.

What about cash advances, are those free money?

Nope. Cash advances are more like loans with high fees and interest. They’re tempting but can quickly lead to debt, so it’s better to avoid them if you want truly free money.

Can I really get paid for exercising?

Yes! Apps like Sweatcoin, Achievement, and StepBet reward you for walking, working out, or meeting fitness goals.

Are there risks in using apps to get free money?

Most of these apps are safe if you stick to popular ones. Just be careful with your info and avoid apps that ask for upfront payments or seem sketchy.

Are there any billionaires giving away money?

Actually, yes! Some billionaires and millionaires run giveaways or have programs where they share free money. We have a post listing millionaires giving away free money.

Free Money Is Everywhere (If You Know Where to Look)

If you’re still here, I hope you’ve found at least a few things that you’re excited to try.

As you can see, free money does exist.

It’s just about knowing where to look and using the right tools to get it.

And while there are a ton of scams out there taking advantage of people looking for real ways to get financial help, the options we listed in this post are all legit and safe.

Try a few, see what works for you, and keep this page handy. You never know when you might want a quick refresher on how to get free money the smart, simple way.