- Bad Credit Basics: Why is credit score so important? How is it calculated? If your score is low, what can you do about it?
- Bad Credit Cards: For individuals with poor credit, there are several trustable credit card issuers who can give you a line of credit and help improve your score.
- Personal Loans: Help you build your financial future while providing money for your family.
- How to Get Out of Debt? Follow these three simple steps to managing your money and become debt free.
- Is Refinancing Right For You? This article will help you consider all the angles when making your decision.
- Home Loans From Start To Finish: Buying a home is the biggest purchase you’ll ever make in your life. It’s important that you know what to expect from the moment you apply for your loan through settlement.
- Beware of these credit scams: Tell everybody in your family and all of your co-workers if you get scammed online or from a lender in person. Before this happens to you read our take on the scams to avoid.
- The Banklady Credit Library
- NEW! Find out how to avoid high Checking fees by using some of our suggested alternatives.
Best Investment App Offers & Brokerage Bonuses April 2024
Get a good bonus just for signing up or trading one stock. Check out these investment services to get special offers to buy stocks, save for retirement, and build your savings.
Highly Recommended Investment App Bonuses
- SoFi Invest: $50 Bonus BEST OFFER
SoFi Invest: Earn $50 with Active Investing Account – Earn a $50 Bonus when you Fund a New SoFi Active Investing Account with $1,000, plus enjoy No Transaction Fees and No Account Minimums. Read more about Sofi here. - WeBull: 2 FREE Stocks BEST OFFER
WeBull is offering a bonus for signing up where you get a free stock when you are approved for a new account. You will then again get another stock up to $1,200 when you add just $100 to the account. No trading needed for the bonus. You’ll also each get a share of free stock worth anywhere from $3 and $1,200 if you make a referral to a friend. - Moomoo: Sign Up & Get Up To 15 Stocks Worth $3-$2,000.
Open account, get one free stock. Add $100 – $999.99, get five free stocks. Add $1,000+ and get 15 free stocks.
- Public: Free Slice of Stock
Public: Get $10 to Invest with Friends – Receive Free Slice of Stock (up to $10 value) when you download this Commission-Free Social Stock Trading App. - Acorns: $5 Free Bonus Invested
Acorns: Get $5 in Free Investment Bonuses – Get 1 Free Share of Stock upon Account Approval and Trade for Free with this Zero-Commission Stock Brokerage Account. - Robinhood: Free Share of Stock
Robinhood: Get 1 Free Share of Stock – Get 1 Free Share of Stock upon Account Approval and Trade for Free with this Zero-Commission Stock Brokerage Account.
Honorable Mention Investment App Bonuses
- Betterment: Free Portfolio Management
Betterment: Get up to 1 Year of Free Investment Management – Get up to 1 Year of Free Account Management Services with a Personalized Investment Account. - NextSeed: $20 Free Credit
NextSeed: Get $20 Free Credit for Small Business Investing – Get a $20 Free Credit to Invest in Small Businesses just for Opening a Free Account and Linking Your Bank Account. - Ally Invest: $3,500 Cash Bonus
Ally Invest: Earn up to $3,500 Cash Bonus – Get up to a $3,500 Cash Bonus and Commission-Free Trades for 90 Days when you Open an Online Stock and Options Broker with Low Trade Fees.
100+ Birthday Freebies April 2024: Free Food, Drinks, & More!
A birthday only comes one time a year so you want to make sure you are reaping all the benefits and free things you can get. Below is a complete list of restaurants and retailers that will provide you with birthday freebies for April 2024 and beyond. Be sure to sign up and plan a few days at least before your big day.
Top Birthday and Free Food Favorites:
Free Sweet Tea or Cookie at McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s Deli is an American chain of fast casual restaurants with over 350 locations in 29 states. The menu includes deli sandwiches, “giant spuds” (baked potatoes), soups, salads, and desserts, as well as catering items such as sandwich trays and boxed lunches. The chain is mostly known for its McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea, which is available by the glass or by gallon. You can get a FREE sweet tea by signing up for the deli’s free rewards app and entering promo code DJders4625. Our two favorite sandwiches are The Rachel and Reuben at the growing fast-food chain.
Free Original Sandwich at Schlotzsky’s
Join Schlotzsky’s Lotz4Me Rewards and immediately receive a coupon for a FREE Original Sandwich. You’ll have 30 days to use the coupon. You will also receive $7 off after your 7th visit, plus exclusive insider news and other special offers. A FREE birthday meal coupon for one of Schlotzsky’s fresh, oven-toasted sandwiches is just one of the treats you’ll receive. You can also get BOGO (Buy One, Get One) Free BBQ Chicken & Jalapeno or Pepperoni pizzas every Wednesday. Click here to download the Schlotzsky’s Rewards app. Use the promo code D.j2007738 and scan the barcode on your receipt and we will both receive 10 bonus points and be rewarded instantly with a free sandwich.
Jason’s Deli $5 Off Food
This is our favorite because Jason’s Deli has some of the best food on the list with sandwiches, soups, and salads. To get the $5+ in free food from Jason’s Deli for your birthday make sure to go here to this link and avoid the pop-up asking for an email and fill out the complete form including the birthday. You just have to make sure it says Dest017727 in the promo code area and you should be good to go!
Zaxby’s [FAVORITE FREEBIE]
Sign up for the Zax Club and get a free Big Zax Snak on your birthday, plus a free sandwich meal for signing up. Who doesn’t want free chicken? Go here and sign-up for a Free Zax Meal.
Dave & Busters Free $10
Free Chips & Guac at Chipotle
Join the Chipotle rewards program to get free chips and guacamole on your birthday when you make a purchase of $5 or more. When you sign up and make your first purchase, you’ll also get free chips and a choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa.
Jersey Mike’s Subs [FAVORITE] Free Regular Sub!
Get a free birthday sub when you sign up for the email club. Now you get enough points in your Jersey Shore points account (80) for a free sub. This was verified as of April 2024.
Sonic Drive-in
Download the Sonic app and get an instant reward for a medium FREE Slush or Drink valid for 30 days. Your birthday reward will be a FREE Small Classic Shake that you’ll also have 30 days to claim. Get half-price Drinks and Slushes any time whenever you order ahead in the app.
Nationwide and Local Birthday Freebies
Is your birthday coming up? Do you want to eat free on your birthday? Or do you enjoy awesome birthday freebies? Free food always tastes better on your birthday. Below, we have provided a frequently updated list of restaurants that will give you free food on your birthday with their e-club.
Many restaurants offer free food on your birthday simply by signing up in advance. So be sure to skim this list below at least a week or two in advance of your actual birthday so that you can redeem the birthday freebie when your birthday comes around!
A&W All American Food
Get a free root beer float on your birthday by joining the Mug Club.
ABC Liquor
Sign up for ABC Liquor Access to get a “birthday gift.”
AMC Theatres
Become an AMC Stubs Insider to get a free large popcorn during your birthday month.
Anthropologie
Join the Anthro Loyalty program and get a “special treat to celebrate your birthday.”
Applebee’s
Sign up for the email club, and your birthday freebies include $5 off when you spend at least $25 and a free appetizer when you join. It always helps to have a little money in the bank.
Arby’s
Sign up for Arby’s emails and get a free milkshake and curly fries on your birthday when you buy any sandwich. You’ll also get a free small fries and small soft drink when you opt in.
Au Bon Pain
Join the Eclub, and get a free coffee and pastry on your birthday. You’ll also get a travel mug and daily discounts on coffee just for signing up.
Auntie Anne’s
Download the Pretzel Perks app, and get a free pretzel as a birthday freebie.
Aveda
You need to spend $10 to join Aveda’s loyalty rewards program, but you’ll receive a birthday gift valued at $23, as well as double points for your next Aveda purchase.
Baja Fresh
Sign up for Club Baja to get a “special offer” on your birthday.
bareMinerals
Sign up for the Friends and Benefits loyalty program to get “birthday gifts.”
Baskin Robbins
Create an account, join the Birthday Club, and get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.
Banana Republic
When you sign up to receive Banana Republic’s emails, you can opt to also get a “birthday gift.”
bd’s Mongolian Grill
Get a free meal when you join the bd’s Rewards eClub, plus get a $5 coupon as birthday freebies just for signing up.
Benihana’s
Register for the Chef’s Table, and you’ll get a $30 birthday certificate.
Best Buy
Join “My Best Buy” to get a “birthday gift.”
Big Boy
Joining the I Love Big Boy email club gets you a free meal on your birthday.
BJ’s Brewhouse
Join Premier Rewards Plus and get a free Pizookie for your birthday. What’s that? It’s a big, warm cookie smothered in ice cream… yum. What’s even better is you don’t have to wait for your birthday – you’ll also get a free Pizookie just for signing up.
Black Angus Steakhouse
Join the Prime Club to get a free steak dinner.
Bojangles’
Get a free Bo-Berry Biscuit with a purchase on your birthday by joining the Bojangles’ eClub.
Bruegger’s Bagels
Birthday freebies for people in the Bruegger’s Bagels eClub: A “free treat” on their birthday, as well as a free bagel and cream cheese just for signing up.
Buca di Beppo
You’ll receive a free pasta after signing up, as well as a $20 birthday gift for joining the eClub.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Sign up for Blazin’ Rewards to get free birthday wings during your birth month.
Carvel
Join Fudgie Fanatics to receive a free treat for your birthday. You can get a small soft serve birthday cone, take $2 off any cake (except for a small square) or take $3 off any sheet cake.
The Cheesecake Factory
You only have through Labor Day to sign up and get your free Welcome Slice of cheesecake. Get one slice for your birthday and one for just signing up into rewards program for the Free Cheesecake Rewards (thecheesecakefactory.com). In addition, Get $10 off DoorDash orders of $40 or more when you link your Cheesecake Reward and DoorDash accounts through the DoorDash app.
Chevys Fresh Mex
Sign up for the eClub to get a free entree on their birthday, as well as a free appetizer for signing up.
Chick-fil-A
Join Chick-fil-A One to get a “birthday reward.”
Chili’s
Get a free dessert for your birthday when you join My Chili’s Rewards Club, plus get free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage with every visit!
Cinnabon
Subscribe to Club Cinnabon to get a free iced coffee on your birthday and a free order of BonBites for signing up.
Cold Stone Creamery
Get a BOGO coupon for your birthday by signing up for the My Cold Stone Club. You’ll also get a BOGO coupon just for signing up!
Columbia
Join the Greater Rewards program and get a “birthday gift” in addition to a welcome gift from the sportswear and outdoor gear retailer.
Container Store
Join the POP! (Perfectly Organized Perks) program to get a birthday gift.
Cowboy Chicken [Favorite Freebie and Dessert] – $5 Plus Free Dessert
Download the app to get $5 plus free dessert on your birthday. Locations are mainly in Texas, California, and Oklahoma.
Culver’s
Enjoy a free sundae on your birthday when you sign up for MyCulver’s. You’ll also get a BOGO value basket when you sign up.
Del Taco
If you’re in the Del Yeah! Rewards program, you can enjoy a regular-size premium shake for your birthday, plus you’ll get two free grilled chicken tacos when you sign up. You can also get free coffees every morning. Join Del Yeah! Rewards to start earning free stuff at Del Taco with promo code 91K9-U4WA when you register here.
CVS Pharmacy
Join the ExtraCare Beauty Club and get “birthday gifts with beauty surprises,” as well as 40% off for joining. They normally send us a 40% off coupon each week for one item. October 2023 CVS sent me a $3 Birthday reward to use basically on anything in the store. That scored me a free energy drink!
Denny’s
Sign up for Denny’s Rewards program online or via the mobile app. Your birthday freebies will be 20% off your next visit, plus a free stack of buttermilk pancakes on your birthday when you order online at Dennys.com.
Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW)
Join the free DSW VIP Club to get a $5 birthday reward. You’ll also get $5 on your birthday if you spend $200 annually as a VIP Gold member, and you’ll get $10 if you spend $500 annually as a VIP Elite member.
Dippin’ Dots
Get free Dippin’ Dots for your birthday when you join the Dot Crazy! Email Club.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Get a free beverage on your birthday by signing up for the DD Perks Rewards Program.
Dutch Bros Coffee
One of our favorite little coffee shops where you can walk up to the window to order or use the drive-thru. They offer a Free Birthday Drink ANY Size. My husband and I both ordered a large iced coffee with oat milk and 4 shots of espresso, and they were completely free on our birthdays. If you are new to Dutch Brothers you can also get a Free Medium Drink of any kind on the menu including energy shakes for downloading the app.
Edible Arrangements
Birthday freebies: Join Edible Rewards and receive a free 12-count chocolate dipped fruit box (valued at $29.99) during your birthday month. You’ll also get a $5 coupon for signing up (valid for 30 days).
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Get a free egg sandwich with a purchase on your birthday when you join the Shmear Society — not totally free, but hey, you’ll need something to help wash that sandwich down. You’ll have 14 days to claim your reward.
Famous Dave’s
Join the Famous Nation and get a free dessert with a value of up to $9.00 for your birthday.
Famous Footwear
Famously You Rewards participants get a $5 birthday cash reward.
Firehouse Subs – Free Sub
Score A Free Sub Sandwich for your birthday or enough points for a free offer with Firehouse and Jersey Mike’s.
Just follow the steps below to earn a FREE large fountain drink with your next sub purchase, plus 300 points towards your next reward:
1. Download the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play store by searching for “Firehouse Subs.” Or use the links below.
2. Copy the referral code 1p3xk (case-sensitive) and enter it in the “referral code” field when you sign up.
3. Visit any Firehouse Subs location and enter your phone number at the register when you order.
You will then also get a free medium sub on your birthday or in the six days that follow it.
First Watch
Birthday freebies come in the form of a BOGO breakfast, brunch or lunch when you sign up for the Sun EClub.
Fuzzy’s Tacos
Known for amazing Baja fish tacos where you can order one of these on a Wednesday and get another taco for only $1. They also have free chips and queso upon sign up and a free birthday sopaipilla offer.
Download the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop app and use promo code D.j.001S3808 to earn 100 extra points towards Fuzzy’s Freebies!
Friendly’s
Sign up for the BFF Club and receive a free birthday sundae.
Godiva
Join the Godiva Rewards Club and receive a free birthday chocolate offer every year.
Habit Burger Grill
Be sure to join Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub to enjoy a free Charburger on your birthday.
Harkins Theatres
Sign up for My Harkins Rewards and receive a $5 birthday coupon to use at the concessions.
Hard Rock
Sign up for Hard Rock Rewards to get an “annual birthday offer” from the cafe and shops.
Hooters
Get 10 free boneless birthday wings when you sign up for Hootclub. You’ll also get $5 off your first purchase of $25 or more when you join.
Houlihan’s Restaurant and Bar
Sign up for the Email club to get a free birthday entree, plus $10 off just for joining.
IHOP
Sign up for MyHop and get free pancakes on your birthday. You’ll also get free pancakes on the anniversary of your sign-up.
Challenge yourself to score as many restaurant birthday deals as possible and make the celebration — and savings — last all month!
J. Crew Factory
When you sign up for Factory First, you’ll get an extra 20% off and free shipping as birthday freebies. You’ll also get an extra 15% off your first purchase after signing up.
JCPenney
Receive a birthday gift when you sign up for JCPenney Rewards. If you are not a JCPenney credit cardholder, you must have earned points within the last 21 months.
Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott offers a 50% birthday discount on one fashion jewelry or color bar item. It also offers a 25% discount on fine jewelry, sterling silver jewelry or gold vermeil jewelry. You can also get 25% off a home goods item. Find out more information here.
Kohl’s
Sign up for the Kohl’s Rewards program and get a “special birthday gift.”
Krispy Kreme
Join Krispy Kreme Rewards to receive a free Original Glazed Dozen. You’ll also get a free doughnut when you sign up.
Lettuce Eats Restaurants (mostly Chicago area)
As a member of the Frequent Diner Club, you’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend on dining at Lettuce restaurants. When you earn 150 points, you automatically get $10 back in Reward Dollars. When you think about it, we’re basically paying you to eat! Join for FREE today, or log in to check your Reward Dollar balance and update your account. “I signed up for lettuce eats app. Got $15 for my birthday on September 28. and then I logged out and logged in and got another $15 birthday. And for every $150 spent they give you $10. I ate at Joe’s and Shaw’s like 8x before I left Chicago.”
Longhorn Steakhouse
Join the Longhorn Steakhouse’s eClub and get “special offers and coupons” on your birthday. You’ll also get a free appetizer when you sign up.
Marie Callender’s
Join the eClub, and get $5 off the purchase of two entrees, plus two free slices of pie, the choice of a free “Marie’s Magnificent Six” or a free slice of pie with the purchase of an entree on your birthday. You’ll also get a special dine-in offer for signing up. The company also sends special offers for your wedding anniversary and allows you to add family members so they can get birthday rewards.
MixTeco (Best Mexican Fast Food in Chicago)
You can sign up at Mixteco.com for their birthday freebie $5 off and normally always use promo code 10DISC at Mixteco for 10% off all orders. Do it direct and not with Postmates or Uber Eats.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Register for Rockin’ Rewards and get a coupon for a free birthday burrito, plus a free cup of queso just for signing up.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Join the Nothing Bundt Cakes eClub and get a Bundtlet as a birthday freebie.
Old Navy
Opt into the Birthday Club when you subscribe to Old Navy’s emails to get a “free birthday gift.”
Olive Garden
Get a complimentary dessert on your birthday by signing up for the eClub. You’ll get a free dessert or appetizer when you sign up.
On the Border
Join Club Cantina and get free queso on your birthday, and just for signing up. PRO TIP: The Chase Freedom Card also normally has a 10% off at On The Border under “Chase Offers” that you add to your card.
Panera Bread
Sign up for the Panera Bread loyalty program to receive your annual birthday gift (you’ll also receive a free pastry or sweet with link signup).
Pandora
Join the Pandora Club get a 15% discount during their birthday month. This offer can only be used one time and is valid on regular-priced jewelry only.
Pei Wei Asian Diner
Sign up for My Wei Rewards and choose from these birthday freebies: crab wontons, traditional edamame, vegetable spring rolls or pork egg roll. The reward will automatically appear in your app seven days prior to your birthday. I know you like delicious food! Download the Pei Wei app and sign up using my code D.j.Saunde1354. You’ll get a free entrée after your first $8 purchase when you sign up with the app.
Perkins
Sign up for MyPerkins Club to receive a free Magnificent Seven meal on your birthdays. The meal includes two eggs, any way you like, plus two smoked bacon strips and three buttermilk pancakes. Plus you’ll get a 20% off coupon for signing up. You will also be able to add your children ages 12 and under so they can get birthday rewards, too.
Pinkberry
Sign up for a Pinkcard or download the app, and receive a free yogurt on your birthday.
Pita Pit
Register for the Pita Pit Rewards Club and receive a free pita on your birthday.
Pizza Hut
Join the Hut Rewards program to get a “birthday reward.”
Potbelly
You get a free treat from the Potbelly app.
Starbucks [FREE DRINK FAVORITE]
Get a birthday beverage or food item by signing up for Starbucks Rewards. Yes, you can even get a Venti sized latte for free at a Target with a Starbucks on your special day!
Planet Smoothie
Join the Planet Smoothie Club and receive a free smoothie for your birthday.
Redbox
Sign up for Redbox Perks and receive a free birthday rental (it must be used within 60 days). You’ll also get a free one-night rental for signing up (that offer is valid for two weeks).
Red Lobster
Enjoy a “birthday surprise” when you sign up for the My Red Lobster Rewards program.
Red Robin
Register for the Red Robin Royalty Program, and get a free birthday burger.
Rita’s
Get a free Italian ice on your birthday when you download Rita’s Ice App.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Sign up for the email club, and get a free dessert on your birthday.
Ruby Tuesday
As a participant of So Connected, you’ll get a choice of a free burger or a free garden bar entree on your birthday. You’ll also get a free appetizer for signing up.
Sephora
Beauty Insiders are eligible to choose a free makeup or skin care gift for their birthday.
Sbarro
Join the Slice Society to get a birthday surprise. You’ll also get a free New York slice when you buy a beverage after signing up.
Sonny’s BBQ
Get a free Big Deal Combo meal on your big day by joining the ‘Q Crew, plus a $5 coupon just for registering. Double the birthday freebies.
Sprinkles
Receive a free cupcake for your birthday when you join Sprinkles Perks.
Steuben’s and other Toast Tab partners
These are varying rewards from restaurants such as Steuben’s Uptown Denver of $5 on a birthday to other offers.
Subway
Sign up for the Subway MyWay Rewards program and the sandwich-making company will give you “something special” on your birthday.
Swagbucks
As a birthday reward, “you’ll receive a Swag Up for a 55 SB credit when you redeem your next gift card.” Swagbucks is a cash back rewards program where you click on the retailer from their site before you make a purchase. For example, click on Adidas through Swagbucks to use their coupon for 30% off and make an extra 8% back in cash back.
Taco Bueno (Oklahoma, Texas)
Sign up at tacobueno.com/loyalty and you will be instantly emailed a free Carne Asada Quesadilla coupon (birthday or not) then they also send you birthday savings.
TCBY
Sign up for TCBY emails, and receive your first 3 ounces free on your birthday.
Texas Roadhouse
Sign up for the email club and you’ll get a free appetizer or a sidekick of ribs on your birthday
The Melting Pot
Join Club Fondue to get a “birthday voucher.”
The Spaghetti Warehouse
Join the Warehouse Club, and get a free meal on your birthday, plus a free appetizer with an entree purchase for signing up.
Tijuana Flats
Become a Flathead and receive a free dessert for your birthday. You’ll also get a free Tijuana Trio when you sign up.
Torchy’s Tacos
Get Free Queso for signing up for the Taco Junkies rewards. Birthday gift: Redeem your Free Queso + Chips reward by adding the Green Chile Queso + Chips item to your cart and applying reward at checkout. Enjoy in your next Torchy’s app or online order.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Download the Tropical Smoothie Cafe app to be eligible for a birthday reward. What you get depends on your loyalty status, but it ranges from a $2 reward to a free menu item.
Ulta Beauty
As an Ultamate Rewards member, you’ll get an offer for extra bonus points on all purchases during your birthday month.
Uniqlo
Download the Uniqlo app to get a birthday coupon during your birthday month.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Join the Uno Insider’s Club, and receive a free dessert on your birthday, as well as a free appetizer with an entree purchase when you join.
Waffle House
Make sure you join the Waffle House Regulars Club to receive a free waffle on your birthday. You’ll also get free hashbrowns when you sign up.
Whataburger Free Reward
Just sign up on Whataburger’s website or app and plug-in your birth-date info.
Wienerschnitzel
Join the Wiener Lovers’ Club, and get a free coupon each year on your birthday, plus a free chili dog for joining.
World Market
Sign up for World Market Rewards to get a “surprise offer” on your birthday, plus a 15% coupon for joining.
Yogurt Mountain
Join the YOMO Club, and get free yogurt on your birthday.
There you have it. The top 100 birthday freebies of 2024 with no candles required!
Stop High Gas Prices with Upside Gas App: Free $7 Sign-Up Bonus + Save 25¢ Per Gallon
Update March 2024: The national average price for regular gas climbed to $3.47 a gallon on Monday, according to AAA. That’s up from $3.45 a year ago and the highest price since Halloween.
The current gas prices for 2024 have been fluctuating due to inflation and other factors. Fortunately, there are ways to beat the high gas prices. Using cash back apps is one way to do this. For example, some apps allow you to get cash back from gas purchases. This means you can get money back each time you fill up your tank, which can make a huge difference over time. By taking advantage of cash back apps and other discounts, you can save money on gas and beat the high prices caused by inflation.
Now is a great time to download apps that help you save money on gas. The current promo is that if you sign up now you get an extra 25 cents a gallon off your gas and they have a restaurant offer where you dine-in or out once and they give you another 40 cents off! In addition, they are offering a Generous $7 all-time high sign-up bonus if you sign up here before December 2023.
The Upside Gas App (formerly “Get Upside”) lets you earn up to 25 cents per gallon cash back at over 5,000 gas stations across the U.S.A. While it is available in most states it is not showing up in some such as Washington but you will find it in Florida and states such as Texas.
You’ll get gasoline savings at many big gas station brands when you use Upside, including Casey’s, Shell, BP, Exxon, Marathon, Sunoco, Valero, Citgo, E-Z Mart, 7-Eleven, Circle K, and many more.
The program continues to expand its partnerships to give you more cash back options. During the few weeks I’ve used it, GetUpside has added and notified me of new gas station deals in my area.
Step 1: Download the App
The GetUpside app is the only way to participate in this cash back program. Once you download it, create an account using your email, Google login or Facebook login information.
When you sign up via this Upside Referral Link and enter Invite Code B263E2, you’ll get $7 Cash Back Bonus Plus an extra 25 cents per gallon cashback on gas – on top of whatever great offer you find in the app.
That means you could get up to 65 cents per gallon cash back on your first fill-up with the Upside Gas App.
Step 2: Find Participating Businesses in Your Area
Once you enable location services in the app, GetUpside will show you the deals closest to you. You can view the offers on the map or in a list under the corresponding category.
The available categories are gas, groceries, food and free gas.
The first three will show you the participating businesses around you and the amount of cash back you will receive on your purchase. However, the free gas tab is a little different.
“Free Gas” is GetUpside’s referral program that provides additional rewards every time your friends buy gas where you can actually make money each time they fill up.
Step 3: Claim an Offer and Check-in
Now, pick an offer to claim. It’s best to claim offers just before you make your purchase because GetUpside puts a timer, which typically lasts several hours, on your claimed offer.
Before you claim an offer, make sure to comparison shop. If the deal is for gas, use an app like GasBuddy or take a look at local prices on Google Maps.
Comparison shopping for the lower overall price is always a better deal. Don’t just go somewhere because it has an incentive, especially if it is more expensive.
If you see a deal that looks good to you, click the claim button to activate the offer and start the timer.
Step 4: Complete Your Claimed Deal
To view active offers that you have claimed, go to the “Claimed Offers” section of the menu in the upper left-hand corner.
This list also tells you how long you have to finish each offer. To successfully complete the deal, you need to make your purchase in the set time frame and use a credit card.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to complete the deal in the time you have left, click the unclaim button on the offer page.
Step 5: Upload the Receipt
Some gas stations require you to upload a receipt but some just have you check-in so this step isn’t always required.
One of the best things about GetUpside is that you don’t need to enter your credit card or banking information to get cash back like most other rewards apps. Instead, you just upload the receipt from your claimed deal.
To upload your receipt and complete the deal, go to an offer you’ve claimed and click “Upload Receipt.”
Take a picture of the entire receipt and wait for GetUpside to scan it. After it’s finished, a checklist pops up to tell you if the app was able to read the information it needed from your receipt.
GetUpside says it takes between a few hours and a day for the money to be available in your account. The only negative for me is that it asked me about every single item being in the receipt but hopefully it only does this on the first time.
This works similar to the ibotta and fetch grocery apps where you upload receipts but this is with gas and sometimes food.
Step 6: Claim Your Cash!
You can take out your money by going to the menu in the app and clicking “Cash Out.”
GetUpside gives you the option to cash out via PayPal, check or digital gift card. You need a minimum of $1 in order to take any money out of your account.
If you would like to receive your cash via PayPal or check, there is a $1 service fee unless you meet the minimum withdrawal. The fee-free minimum is $15 for PayPal and $50 for a check. You can also eliminate this fee by referring a friend to GetUpside.
Digital gift cards are only available in set amounts, so you have to earn that amount of cash back in order to get one.
The cash back I earned for this test showed up in my GetUpside account in about five hours. They sent me an email to let me know my cash back has been credited.
2023 Promotions available to STACK on top of your bonus:
- Dine out this weekend for an extra $5 cash back! Today and tomorrow only! Spend $10 at an Upside restaurant and we’ll add an extra $5 cash back to your account.
- Use an AMEX Card with the Upside app to earn an extra 35¢/gal cash back on gas on TOP of the bonus you already have!
GetUpside Review
The GetUpside app is a legitimate way to earn cash back on participating gas, food and grocery stores. My area does not have grocery offers yet, but there are tons of gas deals available and I am seeing some restaurants pop up at 7% back such as Boston Market.
Here are a few tips and perks I enjoyed while using the GetUpside app:
Easy claim and upload process: GetUpside provides clear instructions to help you along the way.
No credit card or bank information necessary: I like that I did not need to link a credit card to participate and that I didn’t need to link a bank account to get the money out of my GetUpside account.
You can stack it with other cash back programs. I tried to stack this GetUpside with my Fuel Rewards on a Shell Gas Station fill-up and I was not only able to get 15 cents a gallon off using my T-Mobile Tuesdays credit but also an additional 15 cents from this app. It did notice that I was stacking offers so it did not pay on the amount already discounted which was fine but at least I was able to stack the majority of the amount.
You can make money from your friends fueling up and using the app. Once you download the app, you’ll have access to your own Upside referral code, which you can share with your friends and family to give them an extra 15 cents per gallon cash back, and you’ll get an extra 15 cents per gallon cash back on their first use.
In order to qualify for the bonus as a referrer, your referee must spend a minimum of $10 on their first gas purchase, but there is no minimum spend requirement in order for the referee to redeem their extra 20 cents per gallon on their first gas fill-up.
Earn Ongoing 2-Tiered Upside Referral Bonuses from Friends you referred. In addition to the extra 20 cents per gallon cash back referral bonuses, Upside provides you with ongoing bonuses for every gallon of gas that your referrals (and their referrals) buy in the future.
- 2¢/Gal Tier: Each time one of your direct referrals buys gas in the future, you will earn a 2 cents per gallon bonus deposited into your Upside account.
- 1¢/Gal Tier: Each time one of your indirect referrals (i.e., your referral’s referrals) buys gas, you will earn a 1 cent per gallon bonus deposited into your Upside account.
These ongoing bonuses are different than the 20 cents per gallon redemption bonuses that you earn, which require a gas purchase in order to get the cash back, as the ongoing bonuses are deposited directly into your cash-out balance, and don’t require further gas purchases in order to redeem them.
There is no limit to the amount of users that you can refer or the bonus rewards that you can earn.
Yes, it’s legit. This pretty much sums up how amazing this app is and we know it sounds too good to be true but it’s not. It is just a little hassle to spend a few seconds of your time to upload a receipt and make sure you select your gas station before fueling. That is the only hard part is forgetting to use the app before fueling. Keep in mind the company may go bankrupt or give less in rewards once everyone starts using it.
Stackable with Other Apps. You can pretty much stack this with Exxon Mobil’s rewards program and Shell Fuel Rewards and award apps such as Dosh and Drop where you automatically get cash back. Gas prices have no signs of going down so why not use every app and frugal option we have to save money at the pump?
$50 to $300 SoFi Checking and Savings Account Bonus with Up to 4.60% APY
We get tons of messages asking us where to find the highest interest paying checking or savings account. Here’s a highly recommended option that is the best interest rate you can make without going to a credit union or jumping hoops.
SoFi Money is a cash management account with absolutely no fees. Similar to a regular bank account without all the hassles and fees. They also offer a higher interest rate than most banks. Best of all, all ATM fees are reimbursed when using their debit card, so it is a great account to use when traveling internationally. Also, there is no hard pull that will hurt your credit reports.
Best of all, the sign up offer for the SoFi Money account was just increased to nice $50 – $300 bonus for new sign-ups! SoFi has been around since 2011 and have almost a million people using their app so they are growing significantly to be a competitor to the major banks with it’s high interest payout and easy to use interface and did we mention sign-up bonus!
New App Members Sign Up Offer
There are two new member offers for those signing up for both a SoFi Money and SoFi Invest account this month. As mentioned above, the SoFi Money bonus just increased, although it is still not as high as the bonus you’ll receive with the Sofi Invest bonus. You can get both bonuses because you are eligible to stack the bonus for each account.
- SoFi Money $50 – $300 Bonus: Make two direct deposits of $500 or more, receive a $50 – $250 bonus.
- SoFi Invest $50 Bonus: Deposit $5,000 in your account and you’ll receive a $50 bonus for free stock.
Additionally, if you refer friends or family members and they open up either account, you can continue to earn free money. You’ll receive $25 for everyone that opens up a SoFi Money account and $100 for a SoFi Invest account.
To add more to the list of things we like with this app they are currently offering a 20% cash back on Netflix paid with their debit card this is similar to the promotion that they ran with Lyft where we profited over $100 in ride reimbursements last month.
SoFi Checking and Savings Account Bonus: Up to $250 Bonus PLUS 4.60% APY
SoFi Checking and Savings is much like other deposit accounts, except with one big benefit—you can earn up to 4.60% APY on your savings balance, as well as 0.50% APY on your checking balance. New customers can also currently earn a sign-up bonus worth up to $300 just for opening a new Sofi Checking and Savings account and receiving qualifying direct deposits.
You also won’t have to jump through a lot of hoops to earn that elevated annual percentage yield (APY). All you have to do is set up monthly direct deposits of your paycheck or government-issued benefits. You won’t even have to receive a minimum direct deposit amount to earn the increased APY. If you don’t receive monthly direct deposits, you can still earn the top savings rate by depositing $5,000 or more each month.
SoFi Checking and Savings: $250 Bonus
It’s pretty common for banks to offer a welcome bonus when you sign up and meet certain requirements, and the SoFi Checking and Savings account is no different.
New customers can currently earn a one-time bonus of up to $300 when they open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account before December 31, 2024.
Go Here To qualify for the bonus:
Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings Account.
Receive at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits within a 25-day “Evaluation Period,” which begins the day your first qualifying direct deposit is received.
Hit the minimum requirement to earn a $50 cash bonus.
Reach the next tier to earn you a $300 bonus.
Once you meet the direct deposit requirement, you’ll receive your bonus within seven business days after the Evaluation Period.
SoFi Money: Earn 10% Back On Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Instacart, Netflix & Spotify
SoFi Money is offering 10% back up to $50 for streaming and grocery store merchants.
- Grocery stores:
- Instacart
- Whole Foods
- Trade Joe’s
- Streaming services:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Spotify
Our Thoughts on Sofi
When I tried opening both a SoFi Money and SoFi Invest account it took me just a few minutes to fully get both accounts set up. The process was seamless and transferring money into my account was easy. It’s not nearly as much a hassle as the big bank accounts.
I received my SoFi Money cash bonus within just 3 business days of setting up my account, and I received my free stock from the SoFi Money account within the same time period. I also referred many friends and family members and most of those referrals show up the following day.
It took about a week to receive my debit card. I tried it out on an ATM that charges a fee and I was immediately reimbursed. So far, I truly have enjoyed my new Sofi debit card!
This is a great way to get some money back into your pocket simply by signing up for a debit card account. Unlike credit card welcome offers, there is no minimum amount of spend needed, no hard inquiry, and no guessing whether or not you are going to get approved. Many may just enjoy the benefit of the reimbursed ATM fees.
Referring Friends (or spouse)
To refer a friend, you’ll need to install the SoFi app. (I was able to find it quickly in the App Store). Once in the app, on the upper left-hand side of the welcome screen you’ll see a circle with a person icon enclosed. Click that button.
Then, click the link that says “Invite friends.” From there, you can refer a friend to SoFi Money and SoFi Invest. You can save your referral link and send it to friends, or you can directly send the link via a text message, email, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Feel free to comment below with your experience and referral links from using SoFi.
SoFi is a One-Stop Shop to Spend, Save, Borrow and Invest
As our lives continue a noticeable shift to virtual SoFi has positioned itself as an option in an increasing number of online personal financial services.
SoFi offers a variety of lending options such as student loans, home mortgages and personal loans, as well as money management and investment tools. It’s marketing itself as a one-stop financial shop on your mobile devices.
The one-stop shop even offers no-cost membership perks like career services and financial planning advice.
What Is SoFi?
SoFi, which is short for Social Finance, Inc., is an online personal finance company that offers a variety of financial services through its app and website.
The types of financial services offered by the California-based company include student loans, home mortgages, and personal loans, as well as investing and banking options. It also offers special perks to members, including regional events and discounts on future lending opportunities.
How Does SoFi Work?
Your first step is to sign up for a user account with SoFi to become a member.
To do so on a cell phone, you can download the SoFi app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Otherwise, most functions of the SoFi service can be found on its website.
Membership does not cost you anything and the initial signup process requires no more than your name and a valid email address. Once logged in with your membership, you will have access to browse and apply for each of the SoFi services.
Remember, you get to pick and choose what you use from the products that are offered under the SoFi portfolio. That means you only have to provide personal information that is necessary for each product. For instance, a student loan may require different documentation than a home loan, so you’re only going to be asked to provide the pertinent information for the one for which you apply.
Since there is not a physical meeting with bankers or financial planners, communication with SoFi staff is done electronically through the app, website and email.
What Services Can I Get With SoFi?
SoFi has a wide variety of financial services available actually too many to list here so we have provided an overview of some of the more popular categories.
Student Loan Services
SoFi offers student loan solutions for pretty much every situation: offerings for new student loans, people looking to refinance their student debt and even student loan options for parents.
New Private Undergraduate and Graduate Loans
For those entering college or are already enrolled, SoFi has a private student loan program where you can apply for both undergraduate and graduate loan. The rates are higher on the latter. That’s to be expected in the student loan industry. SoFi offers both fixed and variable rate loans, allows for adding cosigners during the online application process and touts that the loans will cover 100% of the cost of attendance.
For undergraduate loans, SoFi will allow you to repay via one of four methods: deferred (make first payment six months after graduation), interest only (pay only interest while in school), partial ($25/month fixed payment while in school) or immediate (start paying right away).
Refinancing Student Loans
SoFi will refinance both federal and privately funded student loans. There are no application or origination fees involved, and these refinanced loans have no prepayment penalties. It appears that you can receive a quote on your potential interest rate without enduring a credit check.
Parent Student Loans
If you are a parent who either is paying for or plans to help pay for your child’s higher education experience, SoFi has some options for you as well. These privately funded loans allow for a fixed or variable rate of borrowing on a child’s tuition.
The repayment method on these loans is limited to either immediate (pay regular payments as your child progresses through school) or interest-only (pay only the interest on your loan for your child’s tuition until education is complete).
Home Loans
You may not think of a phone app like SoFi as a mortgage lender, but they actually do have the capability to help you purchase your next house or refinance the one you already have.
The mortgage offerings require as little as a 10% down payment and can be for as much as $3 million.
SoFi says it can quote you a home loan interest rate in as little as two minutes without impacting your credit score by using a “soft credit pull,” so you should be able to get an idea of how competitive they are with rates you’re seeing elsewhere before applying. However, do note that they will have to pull a full credit report (which impacts your credit report) if you decide to move forward with the application process.
Other mortgage perks touted are SoFi’s ability to “typically” close loans within 30 days and a $500 discount on processing fees for members.
We recommend of course that you get several mortgage quotes before making any decision on a purchase or refinance. For most people, this is the largest debt obligation of your life and being sure you’re making the right choice is of the utmost importance.
Personal Loans
If you’re looking to make a major purchase or pay off some outstanding debts with a potentially lower rate of interest, SoFi’s personal loans may be an option worth considering.
SoFi will issue personal loans for between $5,000 and $100,000 with no origination fees or prepayment penalties. At the time of this article, SoFi was advertising fixed rates as low as 5.99% APR if you’re willing to enroll in their autopay program.
As you apply for this type of loan, SoFi is going to assess things like the purpose of the loan, your desired amount and capacity for a monthly payment.
SoFi Money is the new Online Bank
SoFi Money is a “cash management” product that gives SoFi offers to members on a fee-free platform. It is free to sign up and has no minimum balance requirement.
While the program does offer some of the full-service bank-like options, it’s important to note that you are not signing up for an online checking or savings account. Instead, you are signing up for what amounts to a FDIC-insured brokerage account.
Some of the functions you’re able to execute with an account like this include basic banking necessities:
- Debit card spending
- No-cost ATM access
- Automated bill pay
- Free person-to-person cash transfers
- Earn interest on balance (SoFi was offering 0.2% APY at the time this article was published)
If you’re looking for an online bank Sofi has proven to be one of the easiest to set up and actually paid their bonuses fast!
SoFi Invest from Fractional Stocks & Bitcoin
In addition to its loan and money management elements, SoFi has tools for making investments.
There is no fee for trading traditional stocks and ETFs and the service even allows you to invest in “stock bits” in increments as little as $1. That’s basically buying a share of a share of an expensive stock. For example, at the time this article was published Amazon’s stock was trading for roughly $2,400 per share. “Bit” or “fractional” investing would allow you to purchase as little as 1/2400 of a share of Amazon for $1.
SoFi also allows you to invest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
SoFi Relay
The SoFi Relay platform is also offered free of charge and is all about monitoring your financial well-being. You can access things like a free credit health tracker as well as a host of tools for your personal budget.
It’s important to note that you’ll have to link personal banking information to the SoFi platform in order to enable things like analysis of your spending trends. Services like Digit and TrueBill that also monitor your spending habits and may potentially offer more benefit by automatically saving money or trimming the cost of your monthly bills.
What Users Are Saying About SoFi
The generally positive outlook on the services rendered by SoFi extends to the Better Business Bureau, which has issued SoFi an “A-” rating. That’s a score between 90 and 93.99 on its 100-point grading scale.
The SoFi app has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on the Apple App store with more than 32,000 reviews. The Google Play Store rating is slightly lower at 4.1 out of 5 after more than 3,000 reviews.
Membership Benefits
Once you are signed up as a member with SoFi, you have access to a menu of benefits that you may not typically expect from a company trying to make money on your financial decisions. SoFi has been known to host regional events such as cooking classes or a night at a fancy restaurant that are exclusively offered to members.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the membership perks:
- Access to financial planning advice through credentialed advisors
- Member rate discounts (save on your interest rate if you sign up for an additional loan through SoFi)
- Referral bonus programs
- Personalized career advice
- Ticketed member events such as cooking classes, themed parties and topic-specific speaking events and webinars
Final Thoughts
SoFi definitely offers a fresh alternative to many of the traditional outlets for your personal financial needs. As things like social distancing become a regular part of our society, having the ability to access so many financial options right from your mobile phone is a plus. None of us like to go into banks or deal with “nosey” bankers.
We think you’ll find that Sofi is pretty easy to navigate. We recommend using this as just one of many tools in your financial life. Just like with travel or anything else you want to have a bunch of tools at your disposal to live your most frugal life.
If you are looking for a one-stop shop for financial services and are comfortable completing major transactions without much human interaction, you may find that SoFi is the perfect fit for your personal financial situation.
More Than Groceries: Stretch Your SNAP Dollars with These Perks
One Saturday morning, the kitchen was in chaos – the kids bickering, a forgotten bill on the counter, and a fridge that looked alarmingly bare. Mom sighed. It seemed like every penny earned was already spoken for before it even hit their bank account.
Then, a neighbor stopped by, excited about a new museum exhibit she’d gotten into for almost nothing, thanks to her SNAP benefits. Later, a family at soccer practice mentioned how they slashed their internet bill in half through the Lifeline program. Mom’s ears perked up – there were savings out there, and their family was missing out.
Determined, she buckled down. The museum’s discount meant a fun family afternoon that didn’t break the bank. The Lifeline program saved enough to cover that pesky car registration fee. Even those receipts she used to toss? Turns out a cashback app turned them into a few extra dollars every week.
It wasn’t about getting rich. It was about making that paycheck stretch further. Each saved dollar was a little less stress, a little more room for life beyond just the bills. It felt good, empowering, to know those hidden discounts weren’t for other families – they were there for them too.
Ditch the Budget Struggle! Essential Discounts for SNAP Households
SNAP members can access several discounts in addition to the half-off Amazon Prime offer we told you about last week. Here are some other ways to save:
Utilities:
- Lifeline Program: Offers discounts on phone or internet service for low-income households. Check eligibility at lifelinesupport.org/.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps pay heating and cooling bills. Find your local agency through the National Energy Assistance (NEAR) project: neada.org.
Entertainment and Education:
- Museums for All: Many museums across the U.S. offer reduced admission fees, or even free entry, to SNAP recipients. Search participating museums at museums4all.org.
- Discounted Internet: Programs like the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), now called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), provide monthly discounts on internet service. Visit fcc.gov/acp for details.
- Computers for Low-Income Households: Organizations like PCs for People (pcsforpeople.org) offer refurbished computers at affordable rates for qualifying individuals.
Other Discounts:
- Cell Phone Plans: Some carriers offer discounted plans for SNAP participants.
- YMCA Memberships: Local YMCAs may offer sliding scale memberships based on income.
- Farmers’ Markets: Many markets participate in “Double Up Food Bucks” programs, where SNAP benefits are doubled for purchasing fresh produce. This was a big one for our family because we love picking up fresh tomatoes and okra grown locally.
Amazon Prime for Half Price + Benefits for SNAP Users
Big News for SNAP Users: Amazon Offers Savings and Freebies!
Hey freebie hunters! If you’re on SNAP benefits, did you know Amazon can help you stretch your food budget further than those dollar stores? With your valid SNAP EBT card, you can buy groceries on Amazon, Amazon Fresh, and even Whole Foods Market. Forget hauling bags – have it all delivered right to your door.
Amazon Prime for Half Off (Plus Extra Whole Foods Savings!)
The secret to super savings is an Amazon Prime membership. With that, you save 50% on the monthly membership price, get exclusive discounts on Whole Foods sale items. That means tons of convenient features along with your groceries – free shipping, and access to movies, music, and more.
Save Big While Eating Healthy
Think Whole Foods is out of reach? Not with SNAP benefits! The quality and selection can be way better than those dollar stores, and Amazon’s discounts (especially for Prime members) often beat in-store prices. Plus, studies show that SNAP recipients who shop online tend to choose healthier options – a win for you and your family!
Plus, Totally FREE Access to Amazon Fresh!
Here’s the extra awesome bit! Having a registered SNAP EBT card unlocks free access to Amazon Fresh! Imagine fresh produce, meat, and seafood delivered to your home alongside your regular grocery order – all at no extra cost!
Forget Dollar Stores! Amazon Can Feed You BETTER on SNAP
It’s easy to link your SNAP EBT card and give Amazon Prime a test run with a free trial. Ditch those dollar store runs and discover the convenience and quality Amazon can offer. Your wallet and your tastebuds will thank you!
Dealerships Hate This One Simple Trick to Save Money on Car Repairs
The Smart Way to Save on Car Repairs: Get Diagnosed at the Parts Store
Tired of shocking repair bills at the dealership or mechanic? There’s a trick that can save you money and give you more control over those fixes – get your car diagnosed at an auto parts store first!
Places like AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and others often offer a surprising range of free diagnostic tests. These can include checking your battery, alternator, starter, and even reading those pesky “Check Engine” light codes. Why pay over $125 at the dealership for something you can often get done for absolutely nothing?
Free Tests Typically Offered:
- Battery Testing: Checks battery voltage, state of charge, and cranking power.
- Alternator Testing: Ensures the alternator is properly charging the battery.
- Starter Testing: Verifies whether the starter is engaging and operating correctly.
- Check Engine Light Scanning: Reads onboard diagnostic codes, which can pinpoint problems in various systems.
The beauty of this strategy is that you walk into the repair shop armed with knowledge. Instead of a mechanic vaguely saying “there’s something wrong with your electrical system”, you can confidently state that “my alternator is faulty” and ask for a repair quote. This helps you avoid unnecessary work and potential overcharging.
Sure, auto parts store employees aren’t always certified mechanics, but these tests are fairly straightforward. Their goal is to pinpoint the potential problem area, giving you a great starting point. And, of course, the hope is that you’ll buy the replacement part from them right there.
Before you schedule that expensive dealership appointment, check what free diagnostics are available at your local auto parts store. A little bit of research could save you a bundle on your next car repair!
Why Don’t Dealerships Advertise AutoZone’s Free Tests?
Ever wondered why your dealership charges a hefty fee for diagnostic tests, while AutoZone happily does many of them for free? There’s a few reasons this information isn’t widely advertised.
Firstly, it’s all about competition. Dealerships and auto parts stores like Pep Boys are direct rivals with AutoZone. Promoting a competitor’s freebies isn’t exactly smart business. Secondly, dealerships make good money from those diagnostic fees. Why would they highlight a way for you to save that cash?
Dealerships might also try to convince you that their diagnostic services are superior to those at AutoZone. They might highlight certified technicians, fancy equipment, or access to specialized tools that AutoZone doesn’t have.
Sometimes, it might be as simple as the employees at the dealership not being fully aware of what AutoZone offers. And finally, dealerships prefer to be your one-stop shop – they want you to rely on them for both identifying the problem and fixing it. Sending you for free diagnostics elsewhere risks them losing out on the repair work.
It’s not that dealerships are being sneaky by keeping this quiet – businesses naturally focus on their own services. The key takeaway is to be a savvy consumer – do your research and compare options to get the best deal for your car!
How Do Other Auto Parts Stores Compare?
It’s important to note that AutoZone isn’t alone in offering freebies to help with car troubles. Competitors like O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, and others often provide similar services like battery testing, alternator checks, and code reading. It always pays to shop around and see who’s offering the diagnostics you need, completely free of charge.
My Real-Life Savings Story
Think this is all just theory? Let me share a personal experience. We had a family car that mysteriously refused to start, and that dreaded “Check Engine” light was glowing ominously. I was bracing for a wallet-crushing trip to the Infiniti dealership, knowing diagnostic fees alone could run into the hundreds, especially for something sounding as complicated as a “camshaft.”
Instead, I took a chance and headed to AutoZone. They plugged their diagnostic tool right into a port under my dashboard and pinpointed the problem within minutes. Turns out, it needed both a new battery and some kind of “camshaft” part. Not only did I buy the parts right there (saving even more with my Cash App card), but AutoZone even installed the new battery for free!
Armed with this knowledge, I went to my trusted mechanic for the camshaft fix. I avoided the huge dealership markup on diagnostics, had control over where I sourced the parts, and likely saved myself a small fortune.
The Secret to Cheaper Car Repairs That Nobody Tells You About
The lesson here is that a little effort and knowledge can go a long way in slashing car repair costs. Don’t automatically head to the dealership when trouble strikes.
Start with the Free Tests: See what your local auto parts store can diagnose for free.
Shop Around for Parts: Once you know the issue, compare prices between the store, online retailers, and even your mechanic for the best deal on the parts you need.
Consider Your DIY Skill: If you’re handy, some repairs are easy to tackle yourself with resources like YouTube tutorials. Otherwise, having the diagnosis done for free will still help you get a fair quote from a mechanic.
- Dealerships:
- Simple Code Reading: $50 – $100+
- Comprehensive Diagnostic: $100 – $200+ (and potentially much higher for complex problems)
- Independent Mechanics: Prices often slightly lower than dealerships, but still highly variable.
- Chains (Pep Boys, etc.): May be the most affordable option, but services could be more limited depending on the specific location
Tips:
- Always call and ask: The best way to get a sense of cost is to call a few shops in your area, describe the problem, and ask about their diagnostic fees.
- Check for coupons: Some shops offer coupons or occasional promotions that reduce the diagnostic fee.
- Consider the “Free” Option: Remember that many basic tests are offered for free at auto parts stores, serving as a starting point before paying for more in-depth diagnostics.
Stacking the Savings: Using Cash Apps and Credit Cards
Getting your car diagnosed for free is a great money-saving move, but why stop there? You can often squeeze even more savings out of your auto parts purchases by using apps like Cash App or the right credit cards.
Cash App frequently offers discounts or “Boosts” at various retailers, including auto parts stores. Before heading to AutoZone, check your Cash App to see if there’s a current offer. I was lucky enough to snag an extra 10% off recently just by paying with my Cash App card!
Many credit cards also offer rotating categories for cash back or bonus rewards points. Keep an eye out for quarters when your card is giving extra rewards at auto supply stores. Those points or cashback can add up quickly, making your repairs even cheaper.
Combining these strategies with the free diagnostics at an auto parts store is a recipe for serious savings on car maintenance!
What You Need to Know About Immigrants and Gift Cards in the U.S.
There is a lot of misinformation and confusion about the issue of gift cards for immigrants. The truth is that most immigrants do not receive any gift cards from the government or other sources. However, there are some exceptions and programs that may provide limited assistance to some immigrants in certain situations. Here are some facts to clarify the matter:
The U.S. government does not give $5,000 gift cards to people who cross the border illegally. This is a false and baseless rumor that has been spreading on social media platforms. The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have denied this claim and said they do not financially assist people who cross the border illegally.
No, this is not real. Executive Order 9066 was issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942, during World War II, and it authorized the forced relocation of over 120,000 Japanese Americans from the West Coast to internment camps¹². It had nothing to do with immigration or VISA cards.
The claim that Executive Order 9066 gives illegals a $5,000 VISA card is a false and misleading rumor that has been circulating on social media platforms such as Twitter. It is possible that some people are confusing Executive Order 9066 with Executive Order 14012, which was issued by President Joe Biden in 2021, and it revoked a previous order by President Donald Trump that banned entry to the United States from certain countries³. However, Executive Order 14012 also did not provide any financial benefits to immigrants or refugees.
Therefore, the statement that Executive Order 9066 gives illegals a $5,000 VISA card is completely false and has no basis in fact. It is important to verify the accuracy and credibility of information before sharing it online.
- New York City is launching a pilot program to provide prepaid debit cards to some migrants that can only be used to buy food and baby supplies at certain types of stores in the city¹². These cards are not credit cards and they are not given to all migrants. They are a possible replacement for non-perishable food boxes that the city currently provides to migrants. The cards will be loaded with about $12 per person per day for 28 days¹. The goal is to cut costs and stimulate the local economy.
- Some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charities may offer gift cards or vouchers to immigrants and refugees as a form of humanitarian aid or assistance. For example, Catholic Charities USA has a program that provides gift cards to migrants who are released from detention centers and need to travel to their final destinations. These gift cards are usually donated by private individuals or groups and are not funded by the government. They are also not given to everyone and are subject to availability and eligibility criteria.
Therefore, the answer to your questions is that most immigrants do not have gift cards and they are not getting them at the store or in their home countries. The few who do receive some form of gift card or prepaid card are either part of a specific program or initiative that aims to help them with their basic needs or travel expenses. These programs are not widespread or universal and they have different rules and restrictions. I hope this information helps you understand the facts and avoid the myths.
What gift cards can immigrants actually get? Most have to build credit and have no credit here in the United States.
The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Gift Card in the U.S. for Immigrants
what gift cards are best for immigrants who want to spend in the U.S. instead of using cash, I can offer some suggestions based on my research. However, please note that these are not endorsements or recommendations, and you should always check the terms and conditions of any gift card before buying or using it.
According to an article from Money magazine one of the best credit cards for immigrants in the U.S. are:
- Capital One Secured Mastercard: This card is designed for people who have limited or no credit history and want to build their credit score. It requires a refundable security deposit of $49, $99, or $200, depending on your creditworthiness, and offers a credit limit of $200 to $1,000. It has no annual fee and reports to all three major credit bureaus. It also offers access to CreditWise, a free credit monitoring service.
- Discover It Secured Mastercard: This card is similar to the Capital One Secured Mastercard, but it also offers rewards and cash back on purchases. It requires a minimum security deposit of $200 and offers a credit limit equal to your deposit. It has no annual fee and reports to all three major credit bureaus. It also offers free access to your FICO score and a Cashback Match program that doubles your cash back at the end of your first year.
- US Bank Secured Credit Card: This card is another option for people who want to build their credit history. It requires a minimum security deposit of $300 and offers a credit limit equal to your deposit. It has an annual fee of $29 and reports to all three major credit bureaus. It also offers free access to your VantageScore and a FlexControl feature that lets you customize your payment due date and avoid interest charges.
These are some examples of credit cards that immigrants can use to spend in the U.S. instead of cash. However, they are not the only ones, and you may find other options that suit your needs and preferences better. You can compare different credit cards online or consult a financial advisor for more guidance.
Earn Banking Bonuses using Swagbucks
Swagbucks and MyPoints are ways to earn rewards (cash and gift cards) for online activities. They are owned by the same parent company, so their offers are often similar or identical. We prefer Swagbucks for most of our bigger bonuses for banking and they have offered bonuses for things such as driving for DoorDash or Uber and grocery shopping.
Swagbucks has 18 money-making offers available that will give you over $850 in rewards. Some of these offers require you to open a bank account, an investment account, or a credit card and make a minimum deposit or receive a direct deposit which is an easy way to make money online. For example, you can get $200 from Swagbucks if you open a Chime Bank account and receive at least 2 qualifying direct deposits in your account. You can also get $40 from Swagbucks if you open a Greenlight debit card for kids and make a $20 minimum deposit. You could even get $150 from Sofi Bank just for throwing $100 into your account after signing up as a new customer.
Offer | Reward | Minimum Deposit | Bank Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Chime Bank | $200 | $0 | 4.5 |
Greenlight | $40 | $20 | 4.7 |
SoFi | $100 | $50 | 5.0 |
Abra | $40 + $10 bonus | $25 | 3.9 |
Public | $16 + $5 bonus | $5 | 4.2 |
Axos Bank | $150 or $200 | $750 or $1000 | 4.3 |
Lili Banking Account | $50 | $25 | 4.2 |
Charlie App Account | $10 | $0 | 4.6 |
U.S. Bank Account | $100 | N/A | 5.0 |
Copper Banking Account for Teens | $10 | N/A | N/A |
Varo Banking Account | $120 | $25 | 4.7 |
BBVA Banking Account | $50 | $25 | 4.5 |
Non-Direct Deposit Bank Offers
As I began my research, I noticed the offers for banks divided themselves into two categories – offers requiring direct deposit and offers not requiring direct deposit.
I do have direct deposits to my current bank account. But they are not usually large enough to meet the requirements detailed in the fine print of the offers. You can use services such as Brex Banking to do easy direct deposits if you do not have an employer who will do this.
If you do all the offers, you will get over $350 just for the non-direct deposit bonuses! To find these offers on the Swagbucks website, login to your account and click on Discover.
These offers are subject to change so always read the fine print on these offers.
Sofi $150 Bonus
A bank offering a hybrid of investing, credit, and cash banking, SoFi is proving a bit hard to navigate for me. This is the one I am trying out first. I signed up for my account a few weeks ago and I still cannot figure out how to fund it. It may be my bank (a smaller, local bank). Hopefully it will work for you. Since they offer hybrid banking, there are a number of offers for SoFi within Swagbucks and MyPoints. Make sure you are opening and completing the requirements for the bonus for the type of account which works for you. Read our full Sofi review here.
Swagbucks offer: Open an online account, deposit $100, get $150.
This is our favorite banking offer especially with the high interest they are paying out. Earn up to 4.20% APY on savings balances with direct deposits, and 1.20% APY on checking balances. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on both savings and checking balances. FDIC insured up to $2M through a network of participating banks. Open a new account and deposit at least $100 to earn 15,000 Swagbucks. PLUS if you direct deposit $4,999.99 or more in 1 month, you are eligible to earn an additional $250 bonus into your SoFi account.
Axos Bank $150 Bonus
Axos Bank gives you all of the features of online banking with none of the fees. Open a bank account and deposit $750 or more to earn 15,000 SB (worth $150).
Swagbucks offer: Deposit $750, get $150.
Varo $52 Bonus
A mobile banking platform with no monthly fees and debit card, Varo provides the same protection as a normal bank account. It offers a little something when you sign up. Varo also has the options to save automatically by rounding up the totals on your purchases and saving the change or automatically setting aside a percentage of your direct deposits.
Swagbucks offer: Deposit $25, get $52
Charlie
An app intended to help young people get out of debt, Charlie helps debtors plan to be debt-free. The app also lays aside money (for debt or for savings) based on the rules set by the user. An example given may be: “Set aside $5 each time I spend at Target.”
Swagbucks offer: Deposit $10, get $10
BBVA Online Checking $50 Bonus
The BBVA Online Checking account promotes it is fee-free. Their website shows the various fees of other online banks for checking. This fact makes it easy to sign up for an account for a short-term in order to get a little bonus. An initial deposit of $25 is required to open a free account.
Note: the fine print of this offer warns of an automatic paper statement fee of $3 per month. You can opt out of it, but you must opt out in order to avoid the fee.
Swagbucks offer: Open an online account, deposit $25, get $50.
Oxygen $30 Bonus
Another online personal or business account without fees, Oxygen is a debit-card based banking system. Both the business account and the personal account have a cash back program attached. They also have a referral program which can net you $50 for each friend who meets the requirements of a new account up to $500 every 6 months. The friend also gets a $50 reward.
Swagbucks offer: Open an online account, deposit $20, get $30.
Copper $25 Bonus
Actually a bank targeting teens, MyPoints still offers real money to give Copper a try. Braces and awkward disposition are not a requirement. As I was researching their website, I discovered they offer teens rewards for learning about finances. Financial literacy and bonus money – win, win!
MyPoints offer: Open an online account, deposit $10, make one purchase get $25.
Lili $40 Bonus
An account marketed to freelancers, Lili is a debit-card based banking option. Fee-free banking and automatic savings options are great features of this bank. They also have a referral program which can net you $50 for each friend who meets the requirements of a new account. There is a $500 lifetime cap on rewards.
Swagbucks offer: Open an online account, deposit $200, get $40.
Direct-Deposit Bank Offers
Some may not have direct deposit high enough to qualify for most of these bank offers below. But if you do have a direct deposit set up for your account, these offers may be a wonderful way to make extra cash for switching your bank account. We recommend opening a Brex account or checking to see what will count as a direct deposit.
Note: It requires work to switch not only the bank account over, but also the direct deposit. Take that into consideration when deciding if these offers are right for you.
$100 or $50 Swagbucks with Current Fee-Free Banking
A modern banking option, Current is offering many of the fee-free banking benefits of the other banks detailed in this list. I like the ability to automatically save and create “pods” for specific savings goals. They also offer some banking options for families with teens.
Swagbucks offer: Open an account, have a direct deposit of over $250 in the first 30 days, get $100.
Chime
Another fee-free debit based account, Chime also offers a Savings Account when you sign up for their Visa debit account. They also offer automatic savings options to help you save money effortlessly.
Swagbucks offer: Open an account, have a direct deposit of over $200 in the first 45 days, get $125.
MyPoints offer: Open an account, have a direct deposit of over $200 in the first 45 days, get $135.
Rakuten offer: Open an account, have a direct deposit of over $200 in the first 30 days, get $40.
Is Swagbucks legit? Will I get paid?
Swagbucks is a legitimate company. Let’s say Bank A will pay Swagbucks $60 for a new customer, and then Swagbucks promises you $50 of that. That means both Swagbucks has to track that you opened the account, and Bank A has to track that someone from Swagbucks opened the account, and they both have to agree that Swagbucks user was you specifically. We recommend using the same email that you used to open the bank account that you use with your Swagbucks account.
We love to stack and use Swagbucks when they offer a bonus that is stacked on top of another bonus, and not instead of another bonus. For example, with Plynk they may only offer 3500 SB right now (worth ~$35), but at least it is on top of the standard $50 bonus. That way, it’s just gravy on top, instead of a possible net loss by making you miss out on an alternative bonus if the tracking goes awry. I usually avoid Swagbucks if they tell me I’ll be disqualified from the standard bonus.
How much are Swagbucks worth?
Thankfully, their redemption options are relatively easy to understand. 2500 SB is worth approximately $25 via various options. 2500 SB = $25 cash deposited directly into your bank account or brokerage account, no fees, uses Plaid service. You can also redeem it for Paypal cash, Uber, Airbnb, and Amazon gift cards at sometimes a discount of 10% making it worth more than your typical cash back bonus redemption.
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