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 2025 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!
A gallon of regular gas currently costs $3.47, on average, according to the latest data from the AAA. Gas prices across are climbing as the Fourth of July week approaches.
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.
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.
2024 Bonus Promo Codes for UPSIDE Gas App (Existing Users)
B263E2 (25 cents new users)
SOFI35. 35 cents off next 2 fillups. Works for some existing users but not others
UBERPC20 – 20 cents/gallon on the next four fill-ups.
Use the following promo codes to get up to $2 off per gallon, or up to $30 total savings:
SHOPPERS35
USHIP35
GOPUFF35
AMEX35
PERKSATWORK230
2024 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.
Check the app each week for deals such as an $5 cashback on gas fill-ups or dining!
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?
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 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.
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 andSoFi 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.
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.
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!
