Next time you’re planning a vacation, a travel credit card could defray some or all of the costs if it packs the right incentives. Typically, cards with higher annual fees provide the most value with perks like ongoing rewards, free checked bags, airport lounge access or other benefits. But even cards with low or no annual fees make it possible to earn some value toward travel, if you can qualify.
These cards generally require good credit (scores of 690 or higher), and even if you’re eligible, it’s not worth pursuing one if you can’t pay off the credit card bill in full every month to avoid steep interest charges. And if you’re working toward paying down existing debt, it might not be worth chasing points and miles until you’ve made progress on that front.
But as long as travel credit cards align with your financial goals, their potential savings merit consideration — even if you travel just once or twice per year. Explore the flexibility of a general-purpose travel credit card to book travel anywhere, or a branded credit card to book travel with a favorite hotel or airline. Either option may offer money-saving benefits toward your next trip.
Valuable features can lower costs
Offers will vary among general-purpose travel credit cards and airline- or hotel-branded credit cards, but some savings opportunities may include:
Perks
If a credit card offers a lengthy list of perks, the value can quickly add up. Here are some features to look out for:
A sign-up offer: Travel credit cards generally come with lucrative sign-up offers that let new cardholders earn a pile of points or miles by meeting a minimum spending requirement. It’s easier to snag if you can strategically time a credit card application around planned purchases during a heavy-spend month or season.
Free checked bags: Some airline credit cards offer free checked bags, which can add up to real savings when applied per person on a round trip. This is one way that Doug Figueroa, a content creator at the YouTube channel Zorito y Doug, makes up the cost of the $150 annual fee on an airline credit card. “The savings are $70 round trip per passenger listed in the same reservation,” he says.
TSA or Global Entry credit: Some travel cards issue a credit (up to $100) when you use them to pay for a TSA or Global Entry application fee. These expedited airport security screening programs can save time while traveling.
Travel credits: Depending on the card’s terms, travel credits may be used to save money on a variety of travel expenses like rideshare services, airfare or accommodations.
Airport lounge access: You can skip the pricey airport food with some travel credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access. Austin Maxwell, a South Carolina-based content creator at the blog The Maxwells Travel, uses a travel credit card to avoid those costs. “I’m saving $20 to $30 every time I go to the airport because I don’t have to buy food or drinks during a layover or preflight,” he says.
A companion ticket: Some airline credit cards cover the cost of a ticket for a friend or family member. Depending on the card’s terms, you may have to pay taxes and fees on the fare, the companion ticket may have an expiration date and/or a spending requirement may apply.
Automatic elite status: You may earn elite status without much effort on some hotel-branded credit cards. Elite status can add up to valuable savings if the program offers free food, bonus points or suite upgrades.
Free nights: If your favorite hotel has a branded credit card that offers annual free night awards, it can stretch your vacation budget.
Protections and other benefits
A travel credit card that offers trip delay or cancellation insurance, lost baggage insurance, rental car coverage or other protections may also be of value to you. To qualify for these benefits you typically need to pay for the trip or covered purchase with the eligible credit card. Read the terms carefully to understand the extent of your coverage.
Figueroa says he saved $90 over three days with his card’s primary rental car coverage on a trip to Miami.
“Once you make the online reservation, you must decline all insurance offered by the rental company and pay for everything with your [card],” he says.
High-value reward redemptions
Points or miles on some travel credit cards might lose value if they are used for non-travel redemptions like cash back, gift cards or other options. Travel redemptions typically offer the best value, and you might squeeze out even more value with a general-purpose travel card that allows points to transfer to airline or hotel partners. It’s a strategy that Maxwell uses often to his advantage.
“It’s even better if there’s a transfer bonus associated with that,” he says. “Credit card companies offer transfer bonuses — 15%, 20%, 30% bonus — if you are to transfer points to a specific airline.”
He says he has also transferred points to hotel partners to book hotel rooms with them. “It would be the equivalent of getting a hotel room at $120 that’s actually valued at $500,” he adds.
To determine whether to redeem rewards for travel or transfer them to a partner, compare costs by checking the credit card’s booking platform and the partner’s website. Also factor in whether rewards transfer on at least a 1:1 ratio, meaning that you’ll get the equivalent value in points or miles transferred.
Are you a little obsessed with planning your next big trip? We hear you! The excitement of seeing new places — whether that means a faraway tropical island or a neighboring state — is a powerful lure. But there’s one thing that may get in the way: Money.
Let’s be real, travel can be expensive. Even if you’re hopping in the car for a short weekend road trip, the cost of gas, food, entertainment, accommodations, and more can get a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, with a little bit of planning, you can make your travel dreams a reality. And it can all begin by creating a travel fund.
What Is a Travel Fund?
A travel fund is exactly what it sounds like — a fund exclusively used for gallivanting around the world. It’s a place to stash some cash that you don’t use for rent, bills, repaying student loans, or any other monthly financial obligations. This fund is just for your passion in life. And your passion is clearly traveling.
How to Fund Traveling
Unfortunately, a travel savings account will not grow by magic. If only! You’ll need to find ways to funnel some cash towards your travel plans. There are a variety of ways to do this. Perhaps you got a raise recently (nice!) and can put that amount directly towards travel. Or, maybe you can automatically whisk $25 or $50 per paycheck into your savings. Or, you might give up concert tickets or takeout food for a while to allow some wiggle room in your budget that goes towards paying for your next getaway. There are many options — some of which we’ll explore below.
Recommended: 15 Easy Ways to Save Money
Setting Up a Dedicated Travel Savings Account
There are a few options for where to keep your travel fund. Yes, you could keep your vacation fund in the same account as your day-to-day savings, but separating the fund could provide even more clarity.
Keeping your travel fund in a separate account can make it easy to see how close you are to reaching your travel goal. It allows you to see exactly how much money you’ve saved for the cause with ease. Having the money in a separate account also allows you to set up automatic contributions, just as you might already be doing with your other accounts.
Automating your savings towards travel means you can eliminate another task from your to-do list. You’ll be making progress toward your dream of cruising down the Nile without even having to think about it. And since it’s stashed separately, you don’t need to worry that you’ll use it on, say, entertainment or new shoes without realizing it.
Tips on Selecting an Account to Use
When it comes to setting up a dedicated travel fund, the first order of business is usually to pick an account type. There are a variety of options to choose from. Part of what will likely influence your decision is how long you plan on saving. If you want to take a trip in just a few months, a savings account may be a good vehicle. You can easily contribute to it, and you’ll earn some interest.
To help your travel fund grow faster, you may want to go with a high yield savings account. These accounts typically pay a much higher annual percentage yield (APY) than traditional savings accounts, giving you the ability to earn more on your money while still enjoying the security of a federally insured account. These days, many high-yield savings accounts offer APYs of up to 5% or more — many times more than the average national rate of 0.46%.
Some of these accounts may come with certain restrictions, like a limited number of withdrawals a month or maintaining a minimum balance, so be sure to read the fine print on each account you might be considering.
Another is a certificate of deposit (CD), which locks up your money for a particular term, typically from six months to a few years. This type of account can sometimes offer a more competitive interest rate than a traditional savings account but comes with withdrawal restrictions. If you choose to withdraw the money before the term ends, you’ll likely have to pay a penalty or fee.
Yet another option is to use a cash management account with a brokerage firm. These accounts are meant as an option for your uninvested money. They can also be great for putting away some extra money to save, but again — do read the fine print. Fees may be involved, plus commissions if a broker steps in to help you with your investments. Make sure that these won’t cut into your savings.
All of these options will allow you to keep your vacation fund separate from your checking account, emergency savings, or regular savings account. You may even be able to give it a unique name like “travel fund” or even more specific like “Tahiti fund.” It’s much more exciting to watch “dream trip to Bali fund” grow than just “account: 3283052.”
Growing Your Travel Fund
After you’ve created your unique travel fund, it’s time to put in some savings work. And that begins with your budget. If you already have a budget, that’s great. All you need to do is add in “travel fund” as a new line item and shift as much money as you feel comfortable moving to this new account each month.
But, if you’re starting from scratch, that’s OK too. Trying to save for the trip of a lifetime is just as good an excuse as any to start budgeting.
To build a budget, you’ll want to start by figuring out your average monthly take-home income (what you earn after taxes are taken out). Next, it’s good to create a list of all your monthly expenses. You’ll want to include all the basics like rent or mortgage, car payments, student loans, credit card statements, food, gas, insurance, gym memberships, streaming accounts, and any money you currently put towards saving and investing. Make sure to get as granular as possible about your spending.
Next, subtract your average monthly expenses from your average monthly income to see how much you have leftover. If it’s more than $0, that’s excellent news! You can put the excess towards your travel fund. If not, you’ll need to find some places to cut back on spending.
Recommended: How to Make a Budget in 5 Steps
Finding Extra Cash for Your Travel Account
If you’d like that leftover number in your budget to be higher, maybe it’s time to take a look at both your spending and your current income level. Perhaps you can see where changes can be made.
One of the potentially easiest ways to create more cash for your travel fund is to look deeply at your monthly spending. Are you still subscribing to that streaming service you never (or rarely) watch? Are you signed up for the premium version of that social media platform you haven’t been on in months?
What about that gym membership? How’s that going for you? Go ahead and get rid of things that aren’t bringing you joy or are dispensable. Then, refocus those funds in your travel fund.
If there’s no room for cuts, then it might be time to increase your income. Of course, you could always ask for a raise at work, but if that doesn’t come through, explore some other options — like a side hustle. A side hustle is a gig you take on outside your normal work to make some extra money. If you can, pick something you really enjoy doing so it feels less like “work.” For example, if you love dogs but aren’t ready to own one, maybe walking dogs before work would be fun for you.
If you are a handy person who likes to fix things, creating a listing on a site like Thumbtack or TaskRabbit may be a good idea. If you have other talents like photography, writing, or graphic design, you might do some networking to see if you can drum up some freelance work. That way, you can get paid for what you love to do and save for what you love too.
Recommended: How Families Can Afford to Travel on Vacation
SoFi: Your Partner in Creating a Travel Fund
By now, you’ve committed to adjusting your budget and setting aside cash in a new fund. The only thing left to do is find the best place to stash your cash.
When choosing where to put your travel fund, you’ll want to find an account that pays a competitive yield, keeps your money safe, and allows you to easily access your funds when it’s time to set off for your next adventure.
SoFi Travel has teamed up with Expedia to bring even more to your one-stop finance app, helping you book reservations — for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more — all in one place. SoFi Members also have exclusive access to premium savings, with 10% or more off on select hotels. Plus, earn unlimited 3%** cash back rewards when you book with your SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card through SoFi Travel.
Wherever you’re going, get there with SoFi Travel.
FAQ
How much should I keep in my travel fund?
To come up with a travel savings goal, you’ll want to determine how much you’ll need for your trip and when you want to take it. From there, you can determine how much you’ll need to transfer into your travel fund each month to reach your goal. For example, if your trip will cost $2,500 and you plan to travel in six months, you’ll need to set aside around $33 a month.
How do I set up a travel fund?
Setting up a travel fund can take only a matter of minutes. It can be as easy as opening a savings account online and then directing money towards it. You can also go into a brick-and-mortar bank to set up an account.
How can I save money on a travel fund?
To save money on a travel fund, look for a savings account that doesn’t charge monthly fees and offers a competitive interest rate. These two factors will help boost your savings and get you on your dream vacation as quickly as possible.
**Terms, and conditions apply: The SoFi Travel Portal is operated by Expedia. To learn more about Expedia, click https://www.expediagroup.com/home/default.aspx.
When you use your SoFi Credit Card to make a purchase on the SoFi Travel Portal, you will earn a number of SoFi Member Rewards points equal to 3% of the total amount you spend on the SoFi Travel Portal. Members can save up to 10% or more on eligible bookings.
Eligibility:
You must be a SoFi registered user. You must agree to SoFi’s privacy consent agreement. You must book the travel on SoFi’s Travel Portal reached directly through a link on the SoFi website or mobile application. Travel booked directly on Expedia’s website or app, or any other site operated or powered by Expedia is not eligible. You must pay using your SoFi Credit Card.
SoFi Member Rewards: All terms applicable to the use of SoFi Member Rewards apply. To learn more please see: https://www.sofi.com/rewards/ and Terms applicable to Member Rewards.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Florida is a popular destination for beaches, theme parks, rocket launches and more. However, one of the more underrated destinations in this state is Fort Walton Beach. Let’s take a look at how to get there, the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach and where to stay once you arrive.
The best things to do in Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach offers many things to do for every type of traveler. Whether you’re visiting as a family, with friends or on a couple’s getaway, you’ll find plenty of attractions, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures to fit your budget.
1. Paddleboard along the coast
Fort Walton Beach offers calm, clear waters in its bays, which is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). This activity is one the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach whether you’re an expert or a beginner.
Some of the locals’ favorite spots include Norriego Point, Okaloosa Island Beach and Gulf Islands National Seashore. If you don’t have your own equipment, local businesses rent boards to visitors wanting to enjoy the sun and water.
2. Visit the Air Force Armament Museum
For the AV geek or military buff in your family, the Air Force Armament Museum is a must. This military museum features over 29 different aircraft ranging in age from the War II-era to present day. Inside, you’ll also find exhibits featuring hundreds of pieces of armament, including bombs and missiles.
It’s a good option for budget-conscious travelers because admission is free. It’s open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., including most federal holidays.
3. Learn local history at Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center
The Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center is the place to be for visitors wanting to learn about local history. This museum showcases the area’s history from 12,000 B.C. through the 1950s.
The park includes numerous attractions, such as Indian Temple Mound Museum, Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, Fort Walton Temple Mound and the Civil War Exhibit Building.
Purchase your admission inside the Indian Temple Mound Museum for $5 per person. One ticket includes admission to all of the attractions listed above. The museums open at 10 a.m. and close by 3 p.m. (or earlier). It is closed on Sundays, Mondays and all major holidays.
4. Step into the Norriego Point tide pools
The Norriego Point tide pools offer a shallow water experience for visitors of all ages. The tide pools are cordoned off from open waters to provide a safe space for small children and inexperienced swimmers.
In the tide pools, you’ll discover numerous types of fish, hermit crabs and more. Learn about the local sea life up close. These also offer a unique vantage point to watch the boats coming into the harbor.
There is no cost to visit the Norriego Point tide pools. However, parking is limited, so consider parking at nearby O’steen Beach or on the local streets.
5. Feed an alligator at Gator Beach
Another activity at Fort Walton Beach is seeing the alligators at Gator Beach. There is no admission fee, and its considered the largest alligator park on the Emerald Coast.
This attraction features hundreds of alligators; for a small fee, visitors can feed the gators. If you’re brave enough, you can even take a picture while holding a live alligator. There are also multiple shows and tours throughout the day to learn about this local species.
6. Experiment at the Emerald Coast Science Center
The Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach is one of many attractions for families with young children.
This interactive, hands-on museum features numerous exhibits for guests, including dinosaur fossils, robotics, chemistry demonstrations and a handful of outdoor exhibits. Plus, there are additional areas with live birds, mammals and reptiles to round out your science adventure.
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $12 per person, and children two and under are free.
7. Camp at Henderson Beach State Park
While many travelers prefer a nice hotel, others are looking for a more rustic experience. Camping at Henderson Beach State Park allows visitors to immerse themselves in the outdoors and enjoy 30-foot sand dunes and warm Gulf Coast waters.
The state park offers 60 campsites, fishing opportunities and a nature trail. It’s adjacent to the beach, and campers can access the water using the boardwalk.
Visitors can make reservations up to 10 months in advance (11 months for Florida residents). Campsite prices range from $16 to $42 per night and cabins are $30 to $160 a night. Florida State Parks also charges a nonrefundable fee of $6.70 per reservation. You can book your stay online or over the phone at 800-326-3521.
8. Become a mermaid at Reefs & Wrecks Remembered
If you or your child has ever dreamed of becoming a mermaid, this dream can become reality at Reefs and Wrecks. This PADI-certified company offers three different types of mermaid experiences for different levels of swimmers.
The entry level course is the Discover Mermaid experience in a shallow pool. For experienced divers, the Advanced Mermaid course includes two sessions in open water where you can test out your mermaid skills. Prices start at $145 and go up to $450, depending on the course selected.
9. Go fishing at The Island Pier
Throw out a line or just enjoy the views from The Island Pier. This pier stretches 1,262 into the Gulf of Mexico, so it offers unparalleled views of the beach and water.
Local marine life includes dolphins, sea turtles, herons and pelicans. Visitors can purchase a daily fishing license, buy lures and tackle or rent equipment from shops on the pier.
If you’re unable to catch anything, don’t worry about going hungry. The pier’s shop serves sandwiches, ice cream, snacks and drinks.
10. Stroll the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
Along the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, you’ll find a variety of dining options, gift shops and activities. There are numerous restaurants to choose from based on your budget and appetite.
Plus, visitors can enjoy the children’s playground, splash pad and sand volleyball courts. During the summer, stick around after dark for the fireworks show on Wednesday evenings.
11. Shop local at the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market
Support local farmers, artisans and crafters by shopping at the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market. The market is open year-round on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. It operates from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., so arrive early for the best selection.
The Okaloosa Farmers Market is another option where you can buy local goods. It operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
12. Go snorkeling at Stingray Bay
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a unique experience for travelers. The park offers numerous animal encounters, including dolphins, harbor seals, penguins and stingrays.
Ticket prices are $30 or less, depending on your age. Florida residents receive a discount.
One of the experiences available is to snorkel in Stingray Bay. For an additional $59, you’ll get 30 minutes to snorkel and interact with cownose rays, small sharks, groupers and numerous fish species.
13. Experience the fun at Crab Island
One of the top things to do in Fort Walton Beach is Crab Island, which takes advantage of the shallow waters and raised sandbars along the Gulf Coast.
In most places, the water is only one to four feet deep, so it’s safe even if you don’t know how to swim. Visitors will find obstacle courses, floating bars and more for fun in the sun.
Only accessible by boat, many people rent one or bring their own to visit Crab Island. Some arrive on pontoon boats so they have a place to rest and relax during the day. There are also tour and water taxi options.
While there is food available from floating food vendors and restaurants, you cannot purchase alcohol on Crab Island. You’ll have to bring your own if you want to enjoy an adult beverage.
Where is Fort Walton Beach, Florida?
Fort Walton Beach is located on the Florida panhandle, across the Choctawhatchee Bay from Destin. The city is about two hours east of Mobile, Alabama, and about an hour west of Panama City Beach, Florida.
How to get to Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Fort Walton Beach is a popular road trip destination for travelers in the South. However, the local Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is also an option for those who wish to fly. The airport is serviced by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines.
There are numerous nonstop flights from airports across the country, including Boston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Minneapolis, Las Vegas and Washington-National.
Where to stay in Fort Walton Beach
Travelers have a variety of lodging options when booking their vacation to Fort Walton Beach. Here are a few from several major hotel chains, along with how many points are needed to book a room there in 2024.
Tru by Hilton Fort Walton Beach: Redemptions from 22,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Holiday Inn Express Fort Walton Beach Central: Redemptions from 14,000 to 43,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach-West Destin: Redemptions from 32,000 to 48,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
You can earn a large sum of points quickly by getting the sign-up bonus for new hotel and travel credit cards. Generally speaking, to earn a bonus, you need to spend a certain amount within a specific time frame after signing up for the card.
Top hotel credit cards
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Annual fee
Sign-up bonus
Limited time offer! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.
Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 165,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Still not sure?
Once you reach that threshold, you’ll earn a bulk sum of points or miles that can be used toward award redemptions.
Other accommodations in Fort Walton Beach can be booked through Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo using OneKey Rewards.
Things to do in Fort Walton Beach recapped
Beach vacationers should consider visiting Fort Walton Beach in the Florida panhandle. There are many fun things to do for adults and kids alike. Learn about the city’s history, make new friends with local wildlife, go fishing and enjoy a variety of water activities.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Your mind and body may be ready for a sunny beachside spring break in Cancun, but if you’re living that broke college kid life, you may imagine your spring break looking more like a week at home, scrolling through Instagram and binging Netflix.
However, it is possible to plan a spring break trip on a limited budget. And yes, even a college student’s budget can be stretched for spring break fun! If you’re wondering how to plan a spring break trip without living off instant noodles for the next month, we have some tips to help you get a well-deserved vacation from those long nights spent studying in your dorm room.
Keep reading for some of our best tips on making your spring break trip dreams happen on a budget.
1. Start Planning Early
Waiting until the last minute to plan a trip could mean missing out on cheaper flights, hotels, and even popular ticketed attractions. If you’re going to a hot destination during a peak travel season, which includes spring break for many destinations, then you could blow your travel budget on the flight alone, leaving you without enough money for food and lodging.
2. Make a Budget & Stick to It
Before you even leave for your destination, it’s smart to create a travel budget. What can you reasonably afford to spend on accommodations, transportation, entertainment, meals, and shopping? Having a budget could help you avoid splurging on expensive dinners or overspending at local shops.
Recommended: How to Save for a Vacation: Creating a Travel Fund
3. Find Off-Season Destinations
If Cancun for spring break is too pricey for your college student budget, don’t stress. There are a number of great destinations that are off-season in the spring, ranging from the more rugged Jackson County, North Carolina to the Big Apple.
4. Only Travel as Far as You Can Drive
It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? You can make that (semi) true by taking a road trip with a few friends. On a road trip, you don’t need to follow any set schedule. Since there’s no flight or train to catch, and often no hurry to reach a destination, you can make spontaneous decisions and discover hidden gems along the way.
5. Avoid Tourist Traps
Doing spring break on a budget generally means skipping touristy destinations like Miami, New Orleans, and Cabo. However, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives to these locations that can save you money and that will probably be far less crowded, too.
6. Reach out to Friends & Family
If you have friends or family in another city, reach out and ask if they’d be willing to host you. If they agree, you could get some free lodging and meals out of it. Plus, you’d be connecting with locals who could guide you through the city and give some tips on cool and free stuff to do that you might not have found otherwise.
Recommended: How to Balance the Urge to Travel and the Need to Save
7. Ditch the Plane Ticket
Planes and cars aren’t the only way to land at your tourist destination. You can do spring break on a budget by hopping on an Amtrak train or a Greyhound bus, both of which have destinations all over the country. The best part? You can catch up on some work, sleep, or relaxation while you enjoy the ride.
8. Don’t Forget about Cruises
You could spend a fortune going to just Miami or Los Angeles. Or, you could check out some cheaper cruise options that could potentially take you all over Alaska, the Caribbean islands, or a slew of other destinations for less. There are even cruise options designed specifically for college students.
9. Consider Pitching a Tent
Do you get motion sickness in cars or boats? With camping, your feet will be firmly planted on the ground, and your budget will also likely stay down to earth. You can camp out in many destinations across the U.S. and even abroad, be it under the stars near a national park or near a great fishing hole in the Carolinas.
10. Look For a Deal
Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer a number of travel and hotel deals both for individuals and for group travel. Checking out which hotels are offering promotions could help you save when booking accommodations. You can also find deals on attractions near where you’re vacationing, too.
11. Sign Up for a Spring Break Volunteer Experience
Many colleges offer a program called “alternative break,” which allows students to travel and volunteer during their spring break. If your college doesn’t offer any alternative break trips, you can still find some opportunities through organizations like Habitat for Humanity and United Way .
12. Be a Tourist in Your Own State
If airfare is out of the question for your spring break budget, a budget-friendly alternative could be touring your own state. You can take a spring break road trip around your state or even take multiple day trips, the latter of which could allow you to have most of your meals at home with no hotel needed.
13. Fly on Unpopular Days
No, it’s not just your imagination: There are some days that are cheaper to fly on than others. If you’re not tied to a set departure and/or return date, use the flexible date search on a travel or airline site. This can help you find the cheapest travel dates for your trip.
14. Sign Up for Price Alerts
One helpful way to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal on your trip is to sign up for price alerts, a free service offered by several travel companies, such as Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights. These sites track prices daily and alert you in real-time when the price changes for a flight, hotel, or rental car you want.
15. Ask for Extra Snacks
If you’re flying to your destination, be sure to grab the airplane snacks. And if you like the snacks, ask for seconds! You may be able to snag a free snack to help tide you over between meals when you land. The worst thing that can happen is that they say no.
16. Consider Airbnbs or Hostels
For those looking for the best tips on how to plan a spring break trip, one not-so-obvious one may be skipping hotels altogether. Staying at an Airbnb or hostel could be a cheaper travel hack than even a budget motel, especially if you don’t plan on spending much time in your room anyway.
17. Use Public Transportation
While Uber may be one of the handiest apps to have while traveling, relying on ridesharing and taxis could end up costing you a small fortune, especially if you’re traveling in a big city. Using public transportation could cost you a fraction of the price of an Uber, plus it will allow you to explore more of your destination as you navigate around subway and bus stations.
18. Bring Your Own Food
Grocery costs may be on the rise, but the cost of dining out can really wreak havoc on your spring break budget. If you want to try the local cuisine, you can typically do so much cheaper by going to a local grocery store and buying premade meals there or, better yet, making your own meals using fresh, local ingredients. This option may only be available if you’re staying at an Airbnb or hotel with a kitchenette, though.
19. Eat Out for Lunch, not Dinner
Eating out for dinner will often cost you far more than eating out for breakfast or lunch. And if you decide to eat out for dinner still, skip the drinks and desserts. These items typically have higher markups than other items on the menu. Plus, when it comes to desserts, the quality (and quantity!) may not be worth it — many restaurants don’t even make the desserts they serve.
20. Ask About Complimentary Hotel Meals
Students looking for spring break trips on a budget won’t want to miss out on this tried-and-true travel budget saver: Before booking your hotel, ask if they have any complimentary meals, such as a continental breakfast. It may not be as fancy or Instagram-worthy as the hottest brunch spot in town, but it will likely be a lot better for your budget.
21. Use The Free Hotel Coffee
Most hotels offer free coffee either in the lobby in the mornings or through small coffee makers in your room. It may not be as fancy as your usual Venti Coconutmilk Latte with two pumps of salted caramel, but it won’t cost you anything.
22. Look out for Free Samples
Looking to score some more free snacks? Add local farmers’ markets to your itinerary. Many markets are full of free samples, so you may even be able to scrounge together a free lunch. You may also be able to score free swag, like t-shirts and reusable bags, from local vendors and businesses, your hotel, or the local visitor’s center.
23. Prioritize Free Activities
Sure, you can spend $50 for a museum ticket. Or, you could search online for some free museums nearby. Many hot spring break destinations offer free walking tours, free museum days, and a plethora of other free activities, such as parks and beaches.
24. Find a Travel Buddy (or Four!)
You’ll find that going on a budget-friendly spring break trip can be a lot easier if you team up with friends. Pooling your college budgets together may even help you to afford nicer accommodations or a more far-flung destination.
25. Cash in Credit Card Rewards…
If you have a rewards or cashback credit card, you may want to save up your points to help fund your epic spring break. Having a travel rewards card can be an easy way to save on travel, especially if you’re able to use that card on purchases before heading out on vacation, which could help you build up even more rewards points.
26. …And Earn More Rewards While Traveling!
Using your rewards credit card on vacation may not help you save for your current trip. But if you rack up more rewards during your trip, you’ll already have a new vacation fund started before you even come back from spring break.
27. Research Student Discounts
Catching a movie or eating out during spring break? Ask about a student discount! You may be able to score some sweet savings even before your vacation, as companies like Expedia often offer student-only travel deals. You can also try StudentUniverse , which helps students get discounts on hotels, airfare, and more.
28. Ask About Membership Discounts
A ton of college discounts exist, but don’t rule out membership discounts you could get from family members. For instance, Costco, Sam’s Club, AAA, and AARP all offer travel discounts to their members. It may be worth asking some relatives about their memberships to save big on your spring break trip.
29. Avoid Transaction Fees
Transaction fees can be a real budget-killer if you’re traveling abroad. And even if you’re stateside, ATM fees can also put a dent in your spring break savings. So you may want to ask your card issuer about fees and plan accordingly to make sure you have enough cash on hand to avoid them.
30. Use Hotel Toiletries
TSA-approved toiletries can be overpriced, and buying them when you arrive at your destination may also mean overpaying for toiletries that you have loads of at home. The best alternative? Decant your own shampoo and conditioner into smaller bottles you can snag at The Dollar Store. Or, better yet, just use the hotel toiletries. They may not be what you’re used to, but your budget will thank you.
The Takeaway
Wondering how to plan a spring break trip on a budget? It may not be as hard as you think. If you’re willing to try off-peak destinations and hunt for discounts, you can save a ton of cash. Spring break trips on a budget don’t have to be a drag, either. You can still go to popular destinations if you create (and stick to) a spring break travel budget. Using rewards and cashback cards can also help you save on airfare and other travel expenses.
SoFi Travel has teamed up with Expedia to bring even more to your one-stop finance app, helping you book reservations — for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more — all in one place. SoFi Members also have exclusive access to premium savings, with 10% or more off on select hotels. Plus, earn unlimited 3%** cash back rewards when you book with your SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card through SoFi Travel.
Wherever you’re going, get there with SoFi Travel.
Photo credit: iStock/onurdongel
**Terms, and conditions apply: The SoFi Travel Portal is operated by Expedia. To learn more about Expedia, click https://www.expediagroup.com/home/default.aspx.
When you use your SoFi Credit Card to make a purchase on the SoFi Travel Portal, you will earn a number of SoFi Member Rewards points equal to 3% of the total amount you spend on the SoFi Travel Portal. Members can save up to 10% or more on eligible bookings.
Eligibility:
You must be a SoFi registered user. You must agree to SoFi’s privacy consent agreement. You must book the travel on SoFi’s Travel Portal reached directly through a link on the SoFi website or mobile application. Travel booked directly on Expedia’s website or app, or any other site operated or powered by Expedia is not eligible. You must pay using your SoFi Credit Card.
SoFi Member Rewards: All terms applicable to the use of SoFi Member Rewards apply. To learn more please see: https://www.sofi.com/rewards/ and Terms applicable to Member Rewards.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
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Want to learn how to make money online without paying anything? Here are ways to earn money online for free. Making money online without putting in money up front is doable for many people. Thanks to the growth of online jobs and businesses, you can make extra money or create a full-time job from home….
Want to learn how to make money online without paying anything? Here are ways to earn money online for free.
Making money online without putting in money up front is doable for many people. Thanks to the growth of online jobs and businesses, you can make extra money or create a full-time job from home.
It doesn’t matter if you’re skilled or just getting started – there are ways to make money without paying anything at the beginning. You can use your creativity and skills in things like making content, providing digital services, and selling stuff online to make a steady income.
I personally have made money online in many different ways without paying anything to get started, so I know that this truly does exist.
Best Ways To Make Money Online Without Paying Anything
Here’s a quick summary of my favorite ways to make money without investment:
Best way to make money online freelancing – Proofreading
My favorite way to make money online for free – Blogging
Best way to make money online for passive income – Selling printables
Best way to make money online for those who like numbers – Bookkeeping
Below are the best ways to make money online without paying anything.
1. Blogging
Blogging is exactly what I started years ago, and I didn’t pay any money in the beginning to get started.
If you want to make money with a laptop, then this is what I recommend.
I began Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and it has helped me earn over $5,000,000 since then. I started my blog on a whim to share my own money journey, not even knowing that people could make money from blogs or how to make a successful one.
Now, it’s my full-time job!
Eventually, you will have costs with a blog, just like with most of the businesses listed below, if you want to grow and make more money. But, the expenses are low compared to how much money you may be able to make.
So, what’s a blog? A blog is like this content you’re reading now – it’s writing on a website. You can blog about something you’re passionate about, something you know a lot about, or even something you want to learn more about (people enjoy following firsthand journeys!).
There are many different niches (topics) that you can write about too, such as travel, personal finance, home, lifestyle, family, food, and more.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Printables
Selling printables is a way to make passive income from home without upfront costs.
This is because printables are digital files that you can download and print at home. You only need to make one digital file for each product, and then you can sell it multiple times.
They can be things like grocery shopping lists, invites, thank you cards, digital art, or gift tags.
I have bought many printables myself, and many others do too. Recently, I purchased a printable to help teach my daughter the alphabet. It was a useful tool, and I could easily print it at home.
You can learn more about this at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
3. Proofreading
If you like finding mistakes in written content and want to start a business without spending a lot of money, then proofreading might be a good choice for you. This can be a part-time job or a full-time career working from home.
Many proofreaders earn around $40,000 a year or even more.
Proofreaders look for errors in articles, ads, books, student papers, emails, transcripts, and more.
To become a proofreader, all you need is a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and the ability to spot mistakes and errors. So, you probably already have everything you need to get started.
I recommend signing up for a free 76-minute workshop, where you can learn more about becoming a proofreader. You can sign up for the free How To Become a Proofreader workshop here.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
4. Freelance writing
Freelance writing is a great way to make money online without any upfront costs, as you don’t need any expensive equipment to get started.
A freelance writer is someone who writes for different places like websites, blogs, magazines, ads, books, and other things.
I have been a freelance writer for many years now, all from my laptop. I really enjoy being a freelance writer, and I have many friends who do this as well. I started this job because I wanted to make money from home and not spend money trying to figure it out. And, it worked!
This job can earn you more than $50,000 a year. Some of my friends who are freelance writers make over $200,000 a year.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
5. Opening an online store
Starting an online store is a way to make money without upfront costs, and sites like Etsy and Shopify make this possible.
On Etsy, you can sell things like handmade or vintage items and craft supplies. This online marketplace is great if you’re creative and want to sell unique, one-of-a-kind products. Shopify, on the other hand, has more flexibility in what you can sell and allows you to build your personal storefront.
There are many different types of things you can sell, such as digital products like ebooks or web design templates, which don’t require inventory and can be sold repeatedly without additional cost. Physical products, on the other hand, can also be sold but keep in mind that you’ll need a plan for shipping, and you may have to spend money in order to have them as inventory to list on your store.
Another idea is dropshipping. This is a business model where you don’t need to keep inventory or ship products yourself. Instead, you work with suppliers who take care of inventory and shipping for you.
Below are some ideas for things you could sell through an online dropshipping store:
Travel items such as portable luggage scales, neck pillows, or travel cubes
Fitness equipment like yoga mats, weights, or resistance bands
Sustainable products such as reusable utensils, bamboo toothbrushes, tote bags, or eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Camping-related items like hammocks, lanterns, cookware sets, and survival kits
Jewelry such as stackable rings, layered bracelets, anklets, and statement earrings
6. Print-on-demand
Similar to the above, print-on-demand (POD) is a business model where you sell your custom designs on products like T-shirts, mugs, and books, but only print them once an order is placed.
It’s a popular way to start an online business with minimal upfront costs because you don’t have to worry about inventory. Your job is to create the designs and set up your online store.
Once a customer buys a product, the order goes straight to your POD supplier who prints and ships it under your brand name.
7. Stock photography
Stock photography is a way to make money online without any cash up front. If you already have a camera or even just a cell phone, you can get started selling stock photographs.
You are simply taking photos, putting them on a stock photo website, and selling them to people and companies.
People buy stock images from websites like Shutterstock, Getty Images, or Adobe Stock for many reasons, such as adding them to their websites, articles, blog posts, advertisements, and social media.
You can sell many types of pictures, including travel, business, people, food, animals, health, fashion, sports, and more.
For example, if I write a blog post about making money with a laptop, I might buy a stock photo of a laptop. Or, if I need a picture related to making money while traveling, I’d find a picture of a vacation to include in my blog post. Stock images can make a blog post more enjoyable to read.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
8. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a way for you to earn money by promoting products or services online, and you don’t need anything special to get started.
With affiliate marketing, if your friend or follower buys a product through a referral link you share, you get paid a commission – it’s as simple as that.
First, pick products you love and are sure others will benefit from. Then, sign up for their affiliate program. Each program gives you an affiliate link. This link tracks who clicks and buys from your recommendation.
Your job is to share your affiliate link with as many interested people as possible. You could write about it on your blog, make videos, or even just share it on social media.
I recommend signing up for Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers – Free eBook to learn more.
9. Playing games and watching videos for money
There are lots of money-making apps that let you earn cash by playing games or watching videos on your phone.
These apps pay you real money because they make money from ads and in-app purchases. To get you to keep playing, they give you a share of their earnings. For watching videos, the sites reward you with points for watching sponsored videos, and these videos can range from ads to short clips.
Now, these won’t make you rich, but it is a way to make money from your phone without upfront costs.
Here’s a quick list of the top video and game apps that pay real cash:
KashKick
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Recommended reading: 15 Ways To Make Money From Your Phone
10. Market research and focus groups
If you love sharing your opinions, market research and focus groups are great ways for you to earn cash online without paying anything. This kind of work connects you with companies seeking feedback on their products or services. It’s all about understanding what you think as a consumer.
Lots of companies want to hear from people like you and me, and you can share your opinions with them using just a laptop or phone, some free time, and a good internet connection.
When I was paying off my student loans, I took online surveys almost every day. I did them before work, during lunch, or after work. Even though they didn’t make me a lot of money, they were flexible because I could do them whenever I had time. Plus, they were really easy and didn’t require much thinking!
Here are some survey companies I suggest:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
PrizeRebel
User Interviews – This one pays on average around $60 per assignment (much higher than the rest, but it is a little more work for participants as these are usually video calls or on the phone)
Signing up for these survey sites is free, and typically, they pay about $1 to $3 for each survey you finish.
11. Online tutoring
As an online tutor, you get to teach students from the comfort of your home. Your job is to share your knowledge and help in a subject you know well. You don’t have to worry about traveling or a strict schedule; you can choose when to do your online tutoring gig.
You can make between $30 and $60 per hour or more, depending on the subject’s difficulty and your expertise. And you don’t need to spend any money up front, so it’s a way to earn online without extra costs.
As a tutor, you might spend 30 minutes to an hour giving a lesson, answering questions online, or working one-on-one with a student in a video lesson.
12. Virtual assistant job
You can make money from home as a virtual assistant by doing administrative tasks for clients online. You don’t need anything to get started other than a computer or laptop.
Virtual assistants, or VAs, do tasks similar to administrative assistants, but they work from home or anywhere with internet.
Virtual assistants do things like:
Email management – Answering and organizing emails
Calendar management – Scheduling appointments, meetings, and events
Administrative support – Preparing reports, presentations, and documents
Travel arrangements – Booking flights, hotels, and transportation for business trips
Internet research – Doing online research on topics to write about, competitors, products, etc.
Personal tasks – Booking appointments or making dinner reservations
I’ve been a virtual assistant before (it was actually one of my first online jobs, and I liked how I didn’t have to spend money to become a VA), and I also have one who works for me, so I know how useful they can be! Plus, you don’t need anything expensive to get started.
13. Social media influencer
Being a social media influencer is a real way to make money online without any initial cost, and plenty of people have started their social media accounts by spending absolutely $0. In fact, I think most people start as just a hobby!
You can start with just your phone, by taking pictures and sharing your thoughts on social media accounts like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
You can earn money as a social media influencer through sponsored posts, where brands pay you to promote their products or services in your posts. You can also make money through affiliate marketing, where you earn commissions from sales made through your referral links. Plus, you can sell digital products like ebooks or online courses.
I’ve been a social media influencer for years, monetizing my Instagram and Facebook accounts. It’s allowed me to collaborate with brands I love and promote products I already use.
14. Transcriptionist
Becoming a transcriptionist can be a good choice to make money online without upfront costs. This is something that you can learn to do, and transcriptionists usually make around $15 per hour.
As a transcriptionist, you can earn money from home by turning audio files or video files into written documents. Clients can include marketers, authors, filmmakers, academics, speakers, and conferences.
To find transcription jobs, some places to start include:
Rev – Transcribers on Rev earn an average of $245 per month, with top earners making up to $1,495.
CrowdSurf – CrowdSurf pays for short transcription tasks, which are great for those looking for quick, manageable projects.
TranscribeMe – This platform is good for beginners as they give training and only require a reliable internet connection and computer.
Recommended reading: 18 Top Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
15. Video gaming livestreams
Yes, you can make money online with no upfront costs by live streaming (such as a video game that you like to play). Eventually, you may want to upgrade to higher-quality equipment, but you can start right away with what you already have – your computer and phone.
Twitch is a website where you can make money by playing video games, talking with viewers in real time through live streams, and more.
As your viewer count grows, you can start making money. Streamers can earn through ways such as:
Subscriptions – Your fans can pay a monthly fee to support you as subscribers.
Donations – Viewers can send you tips if they enjoy your stream.
Advertisements – You can get paid from ads that run on your live stream.
Sponsorships – Companies may pay you to promote their products.
Recommended reading: How Much Do Twitch Streamers Make?
16. YouTube
Starting a YouTube channel is a popular way to make money online without any initial investment. You can record videos from your phone or camera, and you don’t really need anything else to get started in the beginning.
You can start a YouTube channel about many different topics like finance, home, travel, toys, pets, and more. There’s a YouTube channel for almost anything nowadays, and there’s still space for more!
In your YouTube videos, you can include links to products you recommend, earn money from ads that play during your videos, get paid by brands to feature their products, and even sell your own stuff.
17. Freelance graphic design
As a graphic designer, you can earn money online without investing any money up front. You can create designs such as logos, social media graphics, and branding materials for clients.
To start, you will most likely want to create a simple but impactful portfolio to display your work. This is your opportunity to show your abilities to potential clients, so you will want to include your favorite projects and what reflects your design style.
You can also sign up on freelance sites like Fiverr where businesses look for designers like you.
18. Virtual bookkeeping
Bookkeepers manage financial records, track expenses, and generate financial reports; it requires attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
This job typically pays more than $40,000 a year. Plus, many types of businesses require bookkeepers, making it a great career choice with opportunities for growth.
Even better, you can do this job from home using your computer and the internet.
Yes, you don’t need a degree to be a bookkeeper. You can start by learning basic bookkeeping and the software most businesses use.
If you want to become a bookkeeper, there is a free workshop all about finding a virtual bookkeeping job, and you can sign up for free here.
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
19. Write an ebook
Writing an ebook can be a way to make money without needing upfront investment, other than your time and effort. This is something you can do yourself too, such as through the self-publishing route on Amazon.
Ebooks are digital books that you can download and read on devices like tablets, phones, e-readers, or laptops. They’ve become very popular because they’re affordable and easy to access.
I’ve purchased many ebooks myself, ranging from nonfiction to fiction, and many, many other people have as well.
Recommended reading: How this person is making $200 a day in book sales passively.
20. Online travel agent
A travel agent is a professional who helps people plan and book trips, vacations, and other travel arrangements. They give their expertise and support in finding the best deals on transportation, accommodations, and activities, considering their clients’ preferences, budgets, and needs.
Travel agents also give helpful advice on destinations, suggest itineraries, arrange tours and excursions, and handle logistics such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel insurance.
There are many different kinds of niches you can sell vacations and trips in, such as luxury travel, cruises, Disney, budget travel, and adventure holidays.
21. Write book reviews
If you enjoy reading and talking about books, you can make money by writing reviews at home. Authors and publishers want to hear your honest opinions because they help other readers choose their next book. Readers also like these reviews, so it benefits everyone involved.
You don’t need anything other than your computer (or even just your cell phone) to write the reviews. Many times, the book is given to you to review, so you don’t even have to pay for that.
This is typically more of a side gig for spare cash and free books.
Here are some websites where you can make money online by writing book reviews:
OnlineBookClub.org – They give free books for your first book review (and no other payment). After your first review, you can earn cash for each review, usually between $5 and $60.
Kirkus Media – They look for reviewers for both English and Spanish books, particularly in the Kirkus indie section. Reviews involve around 350-word summaries due two weeks after receiving the book. They cover all genres, with over 10,000 books reviewed annually.
Upwork – Create a profile as a book reviewer on this freelance platform. You can choose projects that interest you and set your own rates.
The US Review of Books – They hire freelance writers for 250- to 300-word reviews that go beyond summarizing to provide insights into the book. To join, submit a resume, writing samples, and a couple of references.
Reedsy Discovery – Review books before they are published and get paid through tips from readers, ranging from $1 to $5. It’s an exciting way to influence which books become popular.
Learn more at 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books.
22. Online job opportunities
There are many more ways to make money online that won’t cost you money to get started, and these include:
Finding remote part-time or full-time jobs – If you want a full-time income or are interested in part-time work, popular job search platforms like Indeed can help. They help you find jobs that fit your schedule where you work for someone else as an employee, such as software engineer, developer, human resources manager, IT manager, and more.
Customer service and support jobs – As an at-home customer service rep, you would work for companies, answering customer questions and issues that they may be having.
Data entry and administrative jobs – Data entry jobs are ideal for you if you have a good eye for detail and can work independently.
These are all jobs where you would be working for someone else, but online from home. The company would normally provide you everything you need to get started, such as any software and possibly even the laptop as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to make money online without paying anything.
How can I make money online completely for free?
There are many ways to make money online completely for free. You can start a blog, freelance write, bookkeep, write book reviews, sell stock photography, or become a virtual assistant.
How can students earn money online without any investment?
Students can make money online without any investment by answering online surveys, tutoring online, freelance writing, proofreading, blogging, and more. Whether you want to make extra cash or a full-time income, there are many options for students.
How to Make Money Online Without Paying Anything – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make money online without paying anything.
Getting started with making money online might feel overwhelming and impossible, but it’s not impossible if you do it right.
The internet has many places where you can show off your skills as a writer, artist, or tutor. You can also sell items online, or even play games and give your opinion in surveys.
What other ways are there to make money online for free without investment?
Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below. Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you…
Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below.
Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you to go on more vacations and use your money for other things in life.
Whether it’s a fancy resort or a specific hotel brand, the trick is to know where to find these opportunities and make the most of them.
Key Takeaways
Loyalty programs are a direct path to earning free hotel stays. This is because they tend to give a free night after a certain number of paid stays. You accumulate points for each stay that you can redeem for free nights.
Credit card points can be used for free hotel stays. Many credit cards partner with hotel brands to give sign-up bonuses. By meeting the minimum spending requirements, you can earn points for free hotel stays. These points can be substantial, so choose a card aligned with your preferred hotel chain.
Earning gift cards from rewards platforms can be a way to make money to put toward free hotel stays.
Best Ways To Get Free Hotel Stays
Below are ways to get free hotel stays.
Take surveys for free hotel stays
You can get free gift cards by answering paid online surveys, and you can use these gift cards to help you get a free hotel stay.
So, this would work like this – you could get free gift cards to places like Hotels.com, Marriott Hotels, Holiday Inn, or even a Visa gift card (that you can use anywhere) as a reward for answering online surveys. You then collect gift cards until you reach the amount that you need to book the hotel that you want.
To get started, you’ll want to find a survey site that you trust. Some of my favorites are:
I recommend signing up for all of them so that you can get the most surveys possible to answer, which will then pay you with more gift cards.
There are also other apps that you can use as well to get free gift cards, such as Fetch Rewards and Ibotta.
I get free gift cards all the time, and recently, I logged into several of the accounts that I am signed up for and turned in my points. This led to me getting $275 in free gift cards. I personally like to wait until I have a lot of gift cards that I can redeem all at once.
Now, this would take a decent amount of time. You won’t get a free hotel stay in one day. But if you keep doing surveys, your gift cards will add up.
Recommended reading: 16 Real Ways To Earn Free Gift Cards (Amazon, Target, Visa)
How to get free hotel stays as an influencer or blogger
As a blogger and social media influencer, I have received many hotel stays for free over the years. From luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean to RV campgrounds and more, I have partnered with many different types of accommodations over the years.
And, I know of many other people who have received free hotel rooms through this as well.
Getting free hotel stays as an influencer means partnering with hotels and showing them why you’re valuable to their brand.
This may include sharing your hotel stay on your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, or somewhere else that you have followers and readers.
Here’s a quick guide on how to stay at hotels for free as a social media influencer or blogger:
Assess what you can offer. Hotels are looking for exposure and new customers, so your reach and engagement rates are important. How many people will see what you share about their hotel?
Customize your content to align with the hotel’s image and key messages.
Contact hotels professionally, usually through their marketing or PR department, and highlight how your content will benefit their visibility and attract potential customers. This is typically done through email.
Be clear about expectations – what you will provide and what you expect in return. Set deliverables, such as a number of posts, stories, or a video.
You can learn how to start a blog by taking my free How To Start A Blog Course. You can join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
Travel credit card rewards
If you want to learn how to stay at hotels for free, this is one of the top ways.
I have earned several free hotel stays over the years by using the rewards points I have earned from my credit cards toward my hotel room. I’ve been using rewards credit cards for years, and they are pretty much all that I use now. It helps me save money on travel, earn cash back, and more.
A rewards credit card lets you earn points, miles, or cash back that you can use for almost free travel. These cards usually give you points that you can use for things like airline miles, booking hotels, gift cards, or cash back. You earn these rewards just by using your credit card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and shopping. But remember, it’s important to pay off your full balance each month to make sure the rewards are worth it and avoid paying extra for interest charges.
Here’s a quick summary to help you understand how rewards credit cards work:
Choose a credit card with rewards that interest you, like points, cash back, or travel rewards.
The card may require you to spend a certain amount, for example, $3,000 in the first 90 days, to get a sign-up bonus. Some don’t have any minimum requirement, and you can simply earn points for your purchases.
Use these points for rewards like cash back, hotel stays, airfare, or other options.
You can learn more about my favorite cards at Best Rewards Credit Cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Chase Ultimate Rewards Points are the best!), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, and others.
I also recommend reading How To Take A 10 Day Trip To Hawaii For $22.40 – Flights & Accommodations Included.
Note: Credit card rewards and even the best travel credit cards are not worth it if you go into debt. Remember to pay off your monthly bill in time (and the full amount) before interest charges accrue. Also, many of the good rewards credit cards have an annual fee each year on your card anniversary, so take that into account as well. So, you should always be careful!
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs
Hotel rewards programs are your way to get free stays and room upgrades. When you join these programs, you can earn points for a free night’s stay, and as you climb the levels, you can get additional benefits such as getting your resort fees waived.
Programs like Marriott Hotels, IHG Rewards Club, and Hilton Honors are free to join and sometimes give you a free night after a certain number of stays or points earned.
Some examples of hotel rewards programs include:
Marriott Bonvoy – Combines former Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs.
IHG Rewards Club – Allows you to earn points for stays which can be used for free nights.
Hilton Honors – Provides exclusive member deals and guarantees the lowest rates when booking directly.
Many travel booking sites also have rewards programs, such as Expedia even. These programs give valuable benefits like this to get you to book through them as much as possible so that they can make more money.
You can earn points in several ways beyond just booking hotel rooms:
Stay at hotels – Every night you stay earns you more points, with the amount varying by hotel and the rate you book.
Promotions – Look out for and register for periodic promotions that have bonus points.
Partnerships – Earn points through partners, for instance, by booking car rentals or flights with associated airlines.
Your accumulated points can be redeemed for free hotel nights, among other rewards. The number of points needed for a free night certificate varies by hotel brand, location, and the room’s price.
Find mystery shopping jobs at hotels
Mystery shop companies sometimes need secret shoppers to evaluate a hotel for them. I have seen these types of jobs pop up several times, and I have personally done a few as well.
These are typically just one or two-night stays in your local area, but it can make for a fun and free staycation.
This can be a great way to vacation on a budget.
Become a travel agent if you’re traveling with a group
If you often travel with groups, becoming a travel agent can be a smart choice. As a travel agent, you get industry discounts and may earn commissions on your bookings. To become one, you need accreditation, usually from a trusted program that teaches you important industry knowledge.
Here’s how you can benefit:
Access to discounts – As a travel agent, you can unlock special rates not available to the public. When traveling with a group, this can translate into significant savings.
Earn commissions – Booking for multiple people means the potential for earning commissions from hotels increases. This can sometimes offset the cost of your own accommodation.
Though this role comes with perks, it also means handling travel details professionally and responsibly for others. It’s not just about getting free stays; it’s also about making sure that your group has great travel experiences.
Work at a hotel
Working at a hotel can be a way to get free accommodation. As an employee, you can usually get discounts or even stay for free, depending on your job and the hotel’s policy.
This may include jobs such as working the front desk, being in management, and more.
Policies vary, so it’s important to know what’s available to you and to ask about the hotel’s policy on employee stays. For example, some hotels have a set number of free nights as part of the employment package. Plus, discounts on rooms can sometimes extend to family and friends.
Attend a timeshare presentation
Going to a timeshare presentation can lead to complimentary hotel stays.
These can sometimes be brutal, though, so if you think that you may end up buying a timeshare that you don’t need – then DO NOT DO THIS! Timeshares can be quite expensive and they are lifelong with annual costs.
But, if you think you can withstand the temptation, plenty of people sign up for these in order to get a free hotel stay all the time.
Here’s how this works:
Usually, your attendance at a 90-minute to 2-hour sales pitch is required.
Be prepared for high-pressure sales tactics, but remember you’re under no obligation to buy.
Incentives can range from free hotel stays, discounted travel, or even gift cards.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions attached to the free stay.
If interested, consider the timeshare offer carefully. If not, politely decline and redeem your free stay or other perks.
Hotel promotions and deals
You can stretch your travel budget by taking advantage of different hotel promotions and deals to get the best room rates. Whether you travel often or are planning a one-time trip, there are several strategies you can use to get free hotel stays.
When you sign up for newsletters from your favorite hotel chains, you’ll receive emails on new promotions and deals (such as for seasonal sales on room rates) directly to your inbox. Some hotels might even offer a reward night, room upgrades, or welcome points just for joining at check-in.
Scan your grocery receipts for free hotel gift cards
Using grocery receipt scanning apps can be an easy way to earn free hotel stay rewards.
As you do your regular grocery shopping at grocery stores, these apps turn your grocery receipts into points, which can be exchanged for gift cards that can be used at different hotels.
Here’s how you can get started:
Download receipt scanning apps – Look for apps like Fetch Rewards (this is my favorite and the one that I use for every single one of my grocery receipts) that are known to offer hotel gift cards as a redemption option.
Scan your receipts – Every time you shop, take a second to scan your receipts using the app.
Earn points – Get points with every scanned receipt.
Redeem for hotel gift cards – Once you’ve earned enough points, browse the app’s reward section for hotel gift card options. Select your preferred hotel chain and redeem your points. With Fetch Rewards, you can get gift cards to places such as Airbnb, Hotels.com, Visa, and more.
While it will take some time to earn enough points, it can be a way to save some money on a hotel reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to stay at hotels for free.
Is it possible to get a free night at a hotel?
Yes, you may be able to get a free night at a hotel through loyalty programs, which reward you with points for free night awards that can be redeemed for free nights. Additionally, some programs may give a free night after a certain number of paid stays or as a sign-up bonus.
How to get a hotel room for free?
You may get a free hotel room through loyalty programs, credit card rewards, by earning free hotel gift cards, and more.
How can I earn free hotel stays through surveys?
You can earn points by joining market research and filling out surveys on specific websites. These points might be traded for hotel rewards points, allowing you to book hotel stays for free.
Are there contests or sweepstakes that offer chances to win a stay at a hotel?
Yes, contests and sweepstakes run by hotels, travel bloggers, or travel websites tend to have hotel stays as prizes. You can start by possibly searching related hashtags on social media, such as #giveaway.
How can I travel luxury for free?
Traveling in luxury for free can be done by maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses and rewards, leveraging elite status with hotel loyalty programs for upgrades, and possibly collaborating with luxury hotels as an influencer if you have a strong online following.
How to get a free hotel room by complaining?
If you honestly had a bad stay at a hotel, you may be able to talk to management. Sometimes, they will give you a free hotel stay to make up for the bad review. But, you should never lie about a stay just to get a free room, as you can cost someone their job.
How To Stay at Hotels for Free – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to stay at hotels for free.
There are many ways to get free hotel stays, as you learned above.
Joining hotel loyalty programs at major hotel chains is a simple way to get free night rewards. These programs give you points for staying often, and you can use these points for free hotel nights.
Travel credit cards and hotel credit cards also give rewards that can be used for hotel stays.
If you’re an influencer or booking for a group, this may result in you getting a hotel stay for free. Other ways, like joining hotel promotions, being a mystery shopper, or attending timeshare presentations, can also get you free or cheaper stays at different places.
I have personally done many of the ways listed above to get free hotel stays at places in many states and countries. The stays have been great and have allowed me to save so much money over the years!
Hawaii is known for its idyllic location, stunning sunsets and incredible waters, which all make it an enviable place to visit. But as the state struggles with the effects of over tourism and prices for accommodations that continue to climb, you may be wanting to look elsewhere for your next vacation.
Let’s check out six places like Hawaii to visit, including French Polynesia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and more.
6 Hawaii alternatives
1. French Polynesia
Also located Southwest of California, French Polynesia is a series of islands like Hawaii. This French territory features all the amenities you’d expect from a tropical vacation, with high-end resorts, bucket-list diving sites and unspoiled natural beauty.
French Polynesia especially shines when it comes to photo-worthy vacation spots. Options such as the Conrad Bora Bora and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort can be booked with points — but even better, they feature overwater villas from which you can dive straight into the ocean.
There are direct flights to Tahiti, the main island, from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, making this fairly accessible for U.S. travelers. It’ll take you roughly eight and a half hours to get to Papeete (the capitol); from there, you can either opt to stay in Tahiti or travel onward to islands such as Bora Bora, Moorea or Faa’a.
2. U.S. Virgin Islands
If you’re located on the East Coast, the U.S. Virgin Islands may be appealing for a place similar to Hawaii. Consisting of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John (plus a multitude of smaller islands), this Hawaii alternative is easily accessed from the U.S. mainland.
You’ll find all types of lodging within the U.S. Virgin Islands, whether you’re looking for a vacation rental or all-inclusive resort.
Its status as a United States territory also leads to a multitude of benefits; the official language is English, U.S. dollars are its currency and as a U.S. citizen you don’t need a passport to visit. How simple is that?
3. Guam
Another far-flung island destination, Guam has probably never been on your travel list — but it ought to be. This U.S. territory features a rich history, including strong military significance during World War II. In terms of location, it’s much nearer to the Philippines than it is to the United States.
That doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get there, however. United Airlines runs the famous ‘Island Hopper’ route from Honolulu, which makes several short-term stops as it delivers supplies to islands. Along with stunning views, having made the Island Hopper run is a feather in any traveler’s cap.
A U.S. territory like the Virgin Islands, you will be using U.S. currency and won’t need a passport to travel. English is also one of the many languages you will hear and use on your trip.
In terms of places similar to Hawaii, Guam offers all the beaches and tropical weather, as well as resorts, but still maintains some uniqueness for its reasonably-priced housing and living.
If you’re looking for a place like Hawaii but cheaper, Guam is a great place to look.
4. Maldives
Maldives is a sprawling archipelago located off the coast of India. Sure, it’s a trek, but the journey is worth the effort once you step foot on the pristine white beaches of this island nation.
Home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, the Maldives encompasses the utter relaxation you’ll often find in Hawaii.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The Maldives can be expensive, but hotel chains such as Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott allow you to redeem your points for stays in the Maldives.
Add to this world-class snorkeling and overwater villas galore, and you’ll start to see why so many people make the pilgrimage to the Maldives.
5. Cabo San Lucas
Our only non-island location on the list, we chose Cabo for its proximity to the United States, its weather, its landscape and its infrastructure. Cabo San Lucas is located on the very tip of Baja California’s peninsula and features a wide variety of activities, no matter your vacation style.
When in Cabo you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to where to stay and what to do. You’ll find ultra-high-end resorts such as the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, but it’s equally possible to spend a week in a beachfront Airbnb for just over $100 per night.
Cabo is also very well-connected to the United States, with direct flights to 25 U.S. airports. This includes the West Coast, where a flight to Los Angeles takes just two and half hours, as well as the East Coast, where a flight to New York-EWR will take a little over five hours.
6. Puerto Rico
Both Hawaii and Puerto Rico are popular tropical destinations and have many similarities.
For East Coast-based travelers, traveling here cuts travel time more than half (when comparing flights to Puerto Rico to Honolulu).
Its cost are on par or more affordable than Puerto Rico, and its offerings have a similar range: activities span land and sea, wildlife is abundant and historical tourism is alive and well.
That said, the main difference between Puerto Rico and Hawaii is the culture visitors can experience.
If you want alternatives to Hawaii
We get it — Hawaii is a dream vacation for many reasons, including its verdant forests, immaculate beaches and superb water activities. But if you’re looking to go on vacation, there’s no reason to limit yourself to Hawaii and its islands. Instead, opt for one of these five alternatives to enjoy a similar experience elsewhere.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Discover card travel insurance used to be a common benefit of many of the bank’s cash-back cards. But in early 2018, Discover cut the travel insurance benefits on all of its cards (alongside benefits like extended warranty and price protection).
That means that today, Discover cards don’t offer any type of travel insurance. Instead, the bank now focuses on the simplicity of cash-back awards on its rewards credit cards.
Which other cards offer travel insurance?
Since Discover card trip insurance is a thing of the past, you might consider spending on other cards that offer travel insurance protections.
Chase cards with travel insurance
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer some of the most robust travel insurance coverages available on a credit card, including trip delay protection, primary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage protection and travel accident insurance.
Chase Sapphire travel benefits
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
on Chase’s website
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
on Chase’s website
Travel insurance coverage
Trip cancellation.
Trip interruption.
Trip delay.
Baggage delay.
Lost luggage.
Auto rental collision damage waiver.
Travel accident.
Trip cancellation.
Trip interruption.
Trip delay.
Baggage delay.
Lost luggage.
Auto rental collision damage waiver.
Roadside assistance.
Travel and emergency assistance.
Travel accident.
Emergency evacuations and transportation.
Emergency medical and dental.
Learn more
Here is a full list of credit cards that offer Chase travel insurance:
Chase cards with travel insurance
Premium cards with travel insurance
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
NerdWallet Rating
Annual fee
$395
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card includes primary auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement insurance, a $1 million worldwide common carrier travel insurance policy and lost luggage protection.
No-annual-fee cards with travel insurance
While you’ll get the most travel insurance coverage from a premium travel card, some cards with no annual fee offer travel insurance as well.
What types of travel insurance coverages do credit cards usually offer?
Here are some of the most common types of travel insurance offered on credit cards.
Auto rental collision damage waiver insurance covers damage to or theft of cars that you rent using your credit card. For auto rental collision damage waiver insurance to apply, you must make your reservation and pay for your car rental with a card that has this benefit. You must also decline the car rental company’s collision damage waiver. Most auto rental collision damage waiver insurance is secondary, meaning that you must make a claim through your personal auto insurance before the credit card insurance will pay. Primary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance is a benefit on some premium credit cards.
Baggage delay insurance can reimburse you for expenses you incur as a result of a temporary baggage delay. Incidentals like toiletries, clothing, chargers and medication are typically reimbursable through baggage delay insurance.
Lost luggage reimbursement covers the cost to repair or replace your checked and carry-on baggage and its contents. Lost luggage coverage is usually provided as secondary insurance and will cover the difference between what an airline or other carrier reimburses you and the amount of your loss, up to the limit of coverage.
Travel accident insurance can compensate you or your survivors for loss of life, limb or function when you book your common carrier ticket, such as an airline ticket, with your card. Travel accident insurance typically specifies a payout amount for each type of covered loss.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may reimburse you for certain prepaid travel expenses when a trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance policies vary widely but usually cover at least airfare booked with your card. Some policies may cover a wide range of prepaid travel expenses.
Trip delay reimbursement can cover meals and overnight accommodations when you are significantly delayed and you book your travel with your card. Trip delay benefits usually kick in after a certain number of hours of delays or when you are delayed overnight.
You can also buy travel insurance separately
If you aren’t interested in adding a new credit card to your wallet but want travel protections, you have options.
Consider shopping for one-off plans from third-party travel insurance companies to find coverage that fits your risk tolerance and budget. A bonus of purchasing travel insurance out-of-pocket — rather than using a card’s built-in benefits — is that you can customize the plan to meet your needs.
You can even add on Cancel For Any Reason coverage to more confidently protect your upfront and nonrefundable payments.
Expect to pay roughly 7% of your trip budget for travel insurance.
Should I use a Discover card for travel?
With no Discover travel protection, does it make sense to use a Discover card to book travel? The short answer is probably not.
Discover does not offer any credit cards featuring additional rewards on travel purchases. Discover does market the Discover it® Miles travel credit card, but the card earns 1.5 miles per dollar on every purchase and has no rewards or benefits specific to travel.
The information related to the Chase Freedom® Student credit card, Chase Slate Edge℠, Ink Business Plus® Credit Card, Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card and the United Club℠ Business Card credit cards has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuers of these cards.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Do you shop online? If so, then you will want to use Capital One Shopping and read my Capital One Shopping Review. Capital One Shopping is one of the best coupon apps. This is a browser extension that finds coupon codes for you when you shop online. This is one of the best automatic savings…
Do you shop online? If so, then you will want to use Capital One Shopping and read my Capital One Shopping Review.
Capital One Shopping is one of the best coupon apps. This is a browser extension that finds coupon codes for you when you shop online.
This is one of the best automatic savings apps because you don’t have to do anything extra. The Capital One Shopping app does the work for you by running through available coupon codes as you check out, and then it automatically applies the best digital coupons for you and your purchase.
It’s free to use Capital One Shopping, and it is a browser extension that works with all major browsers.
You simply just shop as you normally do, and the Capital One Shopping app works in the background. I have it installed on my laptop; it works great and I am always able to find the best deals with no extra time spent on my end.
You can sign up for Capital One Shopping here.
Key Takeaways
Capital One Shopping has coupon finding, price comparison, and gives you rewards across a wide network of online retailers.
The tool is easily accessible as a browser extension or through the Capital One Shopping mobile app.
Rewards earned through the platform can be redeemed for gift cards at many popular stores.
Capital One Shopping Review
Below is my Capital One Shopping Review.
What is Capital One Shopping? How does Capital One Shopping work?
Capital One Shopping is your go-to tool for smart and easy online shopping.
Formally known as Wikibuy, this tool is a browser extension and a mobile app. You can add it to browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari. For when you’re shopping from your phone, the Capital One Shopping app is available for iOS and Android devices, so that you can make sure you’re saving money no matter where you are.
Here’s how it fits into your shopping routine: as you shop online, the extension automatically looks for lower prices and applicable coupon codes. If you’re thinking about buying a particular item, Capital One Shopping will let you know if it finds the same item at a better price elsewhere.
Capital One Shopping is even more rewarding too because you earn points for your purchases. These points can be redeemed for gift cards at many different retailers. So, you save money and get rewarded – it’s a win-win!
Capital One Shopping is designed to be easy for everyone, whether you’re good with technology or not. All you have to do is install it, shop, and you’ll save money. It’s that easy!
How do you download Capital One Shopping?
To start saving money with Capital One Shopping, you just need to download the browser extension or mobile app.
For your desktop, visit the Capital One Shopping website and click on the option to add the extension to your browser. If you’re on a smartphone, download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching “Capital One Shopping.”
You can download Capital One Shopping here.
7 Ways To Save Money With Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping has several different tools to make sure that you save the most money when shopping online. These tools include:
1. Automatically apply coupon codes
While shopping online, Capital One Shopping’s browser extension can automatically apply coupon codes at checkout.
This means you don’t have to look around the internet for coupons, as the tool seamlessly searches for and applies the best available codes for your purchases.
This is my favorite thing about Capital One Shopping. I love that I don’t have to look on a bunch of websites to find coupon codes. Instead, the Capital One Shopping browser extension does everything for me and helps me save money. This way, I don’t forget to enter coupon codes either, as it automatically does it for me!
According to my Capital One Shopping dashboard, this tool has saved me $1,047.26 since I started using it over 32 shopping transactions!
2. Earn rewards points
As you shop with participating retailers, you can earn rewards points in your Capital One Shopping account.
You can then redeem these points for gift cards at different stores, giving you sort of like cash back on purchases you would be making anyway.
You simply just go to the Rewards & Savings tab when you are logged in on Capital One Shopping to see how much money you have available in shopping rewards. You can then exchange this for a gift card to places such as Adidas, American Eagle, Hotels.com, Kohl’s, Chewy, and so much more.
I recently redeemed my points for a $50 gift card to T.J.Maxx – couldn’t have been easier, as you don’t have to do anything extra.
3. Price comparison tool
Capital One Shopping’s price comparison tool helps shoppers find lower prices across different online stores.
Before you buy an item, this feature shows you where it may be available for less, sometimes including the costs of tax and shipping to give you a good idea of how much money you can save overall.
I really like this feature as sometimes the price can vary by a lot between different stores and even on Amazon. In fact, I was recently looking at furniture online, and the price difference from one store and another was nearly $500.
4. Price Protection
Note: This part of the program just ended. Here’s what they have said: “What happened to Price Protection? Capital One Shopping is no longer offering our Active Savings Monitoring/Price Protection product. We have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to reflect this change. We will still be offering many other opportunities for you to save with Capital One Shopping via our browser extension and emails.”
If you purchase an item and the price drops shortly after, Capital One Shopping tracks and alerts you to the price drops. It can help you request a refund for the difference without needing to monitor prices after you’ve made your purchase manually.
This is a nice feature, as it can save you a lot of money. I know I can’t be the only one who gets a little annoyed when I notice that something has dropped a lot in price right after I buy it. This feature can help you keep track of price drops so that you can maybe try to ask for a refund for the difference in price of an item.
For example, if you buy something for $50, but then the next week it drops to $25, you may be able to ask the online store for a refund of $25.
5. Capital One Shopping watchlist
Another great feature that Capital One Shopping offers is a watchlist.
You can add items to your Capital One Shopping watchlist and receive notifications if prices drop. It helps you be smart about when to buy things. When there’s a sale, it lets you know right away, so you can get the best deals.
To keep an eye on specific products, add them to your watchlist. When you view an item online that you’re interested in, click the Capital One Shopping icon or button to add it. You’ll get notifications, such as email alerts, if there’s a price drop or if a coupon code becomes available for that item.
6. Universal product search engine
This feature acts as a centralized search engine, comparing prices of a product across many different online stores. You can find where your desired item is selling for the least amount of money with minimum effort.
For example – if you are interested in a blender, you can simply just go straight to Capital One Shopping’s website and type in “blender” in their search bar.
It will then list out all of the deals and prices on blenders that the tool knows about. This way, you can just search for the best price on a blender on one site, instead of having to go to multiple sites to find the best deal.
7. Capital One Shopping hotels and travel
When planning travel, Capital One Shopping helps you find the lowest rates on hotels. Just like with products, it compares prices across a number of travel sites to help make sure that you’re getting a good deal on your accommodations.
You can find this feature when you are logged in on their website and heading to the Hotels tab. Then, just enter the location of where you want to travel to, the dates, and the amount of people you are traveling with.
How To Earn Gift Cards With Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping has a unique way for you to earn rewards that you can convert to gift cards. By using this service, your regular shopping activities can lead to even more easy savings.
With Capital One Shopping, earning gift cards is tied to the use of shopping credits. When you shop online with Capital One Shopping tools, you can earn shopping credits (also known as points or rewards) on your purchases.
Here’s how you can earn points with Capital One Shopping:
Automatic coupons – As you shop, the free browser extension automatically finds and applies coupons, which earns you shopping rewards.
Price comparison – If you buy a recommended deal, you can earn shopping credits.
Price drop alerts – When items you’ve looked at drop in price, purchasing them can also reward you with credits.
Redeeming points for gift cards
Redeeming your Capital One Shopping credits for gift cards is pretty easy. Once you’ve earned enough credits, you can exchange them for gift cards at places like Macy’s, Nike, Gap, DoorDash, T.J.Maxx, Lowe’s, and more.
To get a free gift card with Capital One Shopping:
Check your balance – You can see how many points you have on the Capital One Shopping app under the Rewards & Savings tab.
Choose your gift card – Select from the list of available gift cards within the Capital One Shopping portal.
Confirm your redemption – Follow the prompts to exchange your credits for the gift card that you want.
I honestly didn’t even know that this was a feature of Capital One Shopping until recently. I was mainly just using this site for the promo code search feature (because it is soooo nice and easy to use!) for my online purchases. One day, I logged in and realized that I had enough points for a free gift card. It’s like a nice little bonus!
Capital One Shopping Alternatives
When you’re looking for the best deals online, you have several options other than Capital One Shopping. Each alternative has unique features that might fit your shopping habits differently.
Below, you can see how Capital One Shopping stacks up against other popular sites – Honey, Rakuten, and Fetch.
Capital One Shopping vs Honey
Capital One Shopping and Honey (also known as PayPal Honey) are very similar.
Honey also has a web browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout. Honey does not compare prices between different online stores, which is the main difference between the two apps.
You can sign up for PayPal Honey here.
Recommended reading: PayPal Honey Review
Capital One Shopping vs Rakuten
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a popular cash back and shopping rewards program. It differs from Capital One Shopping mainly in its cash back model. Rakuten gives you a percentage of cash back on your purchases, depending on the store. Your earnings with Rakuten are distributed quarterly, whereas Capital One Shopping provides reward points that can be redeemed for gift cards.
All you do is click on a store that you want to shop through (they have tons of stores such as Walmart, Target, Old Navy, etc.) and shop just like how you normally would shop online.
When you sign up for Rakuten through my referral link, you can get a free $10 cash sign-up bonus.
Capital One Shopping vs Fetch
Fetch Rewards is a phone app that rewards you for grocery shopping (yes, just the normal grocery shopping that you do all the time!). With Fetch, you earn points by uploading shopping receipts, which can be exchanged for gift cards.
Capital One Shopping is more versatile since it works across different online retailers and automatically applies savings at checkout, not just on groceries.
But, Fetch is great for in-person shopping. If you’re looking for the best money-saving app for groceries, I’ve been using Fetch Rewards the last few months, and it is so easy to save on groceries and other daily purchases! All you have to do is take a picture of your receipt with your cell phone, and you can easily earn points. I scan any and all receipts into my Fetch Rewards app and can easily earn rewards. You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.
Recommended reading: Fetch Rewards Review (Is This App Legit?)
Capital One Shopping pros and cons
Knowing the pros and cons about the different sites can help you pick the right one. Capital One Shopping is great for finding coupon codes that actually work, comparing prices, and earning rewards that turn into gift cards. But maybe you like Rakuten for simple cash back, Honey for instant coupons, or Fetch for rewards on groceries.
Think about what matters most to you – getting discounts right away, having rewards, or sticking to a specific loyalty program. This way, you can choose the shopping rewards that suit you best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Capital One Shopping.
Is Capital One Shopping safe and legit?
Yes, Capital One Shopping is both safe and legitimate. It’s a browser extension and app provided by a reputable financial services company (Capital One), endorsed by many different trusted websites, and has great user reviews. I personally have Capital One Shopping downloaded on my laptop and it has saved me a ton of money.
Is there a fee for Capital One Shopping? Do I have to pay with Capital One for Capital One Shopping?
Capital One Shopping is free to use, with no hidden fees. You don’t need to have a Capital One account or pay with a Capital One credit card to use this service. It’s a completely separate and free service.
How long does it take to get cash back from Capital One Shopping?
The time it takes to receive cash back from Capital One Shopping can vary. Once you’ve earned enough rewards, processing for cash back typically takes a few days to a few weeks.
How does Capital One Shopping make money?
I get it – this app has a ton of really nice features that can save you a lot of money. So, what’s the catch? The Capital One Shopping extension earns money through affiliate marketing. When you buy something through the extension, the store pays Capital One Shopping a commission.
Which is better for saving money: Capital One Shopping or Honey?
It’s hard to definitively say which is better, Capital One Shopping or Honey, as both offer similar features. Your choice might depend on which platform provides better deals or rewards for the stores you shop at.
Do I need a Capital One account to use Capital One Shopping?
No, a Capital One account isn’t necessary to use the Capital One Shopping browser extension. The service is available to anyone looking to save money online.
Is there a downside to Capital One Shopping?
Some users have noted limited cash-out options and shared concerns about privacy due to the data Capital One Shopping collects for personalized deals and offers.
Capital One Shopping Review – Summary
I hope you enjoyed my Capital One Shopping Review.
So, is Capital One Shopping worth it?
Capital One Shopping is one of the best money saving apps because it automatically applies coupon c odes when you’re shopping online at both popular retailers and smaller local ones. That means you don’t have to search for coupon codes, which can save you time and money.
Capital One Shopping can be a great tool for you if you love shopping online and want to save money. Here’s what you might like about it:
Automatic coupons – As you shop, the tool searches for and applies coupons to your purchases.
Reward credits – You earn them as you shop and can swap them for free gift cards.
Price comparison – You can see if another retailer has a better price on the items you want.
Price drop alerts – You get notifications if something you watch gets cheaper.
The tool is free and works as a browser extension or a mobile app. Your shopping becomes more efficient because you don’t have to look for deals or compare prices manually – Capital One Shopping does it for you.
So, is it worth it for you to use Capital One Shopping?
For me, the answer is yes – Capital One Shopping is definitely worth it. I have had Capital One Shopping downloaded on my laptop for a couple of years now, and this browser extension makes it so easy to save money when shopping online.
You can sign up for Capital One Shopping for free here.
What is your favorite money-saving browser extension?
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is a collective of high-end properties that meet high standards for service and style. There are more than 500 boutique hotels in 90 countries that make the grade.
SLH will not become one of the many Hilton Honors brands, but the strategic partnership between the two unlocks the door to significantly more luxury properties than are currently in the Hilton portfolio.
For now, the details of using Hilton elite status benefits and credit card perks at SLH properties are still being ironed out, but Hilton members will soon be able to earn and redeem points at the participating luxury hotels.
What happens to the World of Hyatt partnership?
As Hilton Honors ramps up its partnership, World of Hyatt will end its connection with SLH. This comes on the heels of Hyatt’s new acquisition of travel club platform Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which gives World of Hyatt members plenty of opportunity to earn and redeem points at more than 1,500 luxury properties. Hilton will have an exclusive partnership with SLH.
9 Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties to look forward to booking with Hilton points
To book these new hotel options, Hilton Honors members can use any of Hilton’s traditional reservations channels to book a stay at participating SLH hotels. This includes earning and redeeming points, which multiply when you use a Hilton Honors co-branded credit card.
Hilton Honors is also a transfer partner of AmEx Membership Rewards. No matter which credit card you use, these are some of the exciting SLH options that may participate in the Hilton Honors partnership.
1. The Principal Hotel, Madrid
Along the famous Gran Via, this hotel is close to popular shopping, theaters, nightlife, dining and tourist attractions like the Prado and Retiro Park.
Be sure to visit the one of the rooftop restaurants and bar for cocktails and tapas before heading out to a night on the town.
2. Inverlochy Castle, Scotland
Want to sleep in a castle? Hilton Honors points could be your chance. The 19th century Inverlochy Castle is in the Scottish Highlands where guests can slumber like royalty.
Other activities include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, golf and even a ride on the Hogwarts Express train of Harry Potter fame.
3. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Hugging the Adriatic Sea, this year-round hotel provides excellent views of the city’s famous Old Town (which was used for filming King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones”) and the popular island of Lokrum across the bay.
Instead of a traditional sandy beach, guests have a stone-lined deck from which they can take a dip in the water or lay back in the sun. There is a heated indoor pool and spa when the weather is not ideal for sitting by the sea.
4. Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen
Facing Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, this hotel looks like part of a fairytale. Not only is there a convenient rooftop pool and sun deck available for guests, but anyone that stays here enjoys free access to Tivoli Gardens when it is open.
5. Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi is a solid option for visitors either before or after a safari trip because of its location near Nairobi National Park. It has its own gardens offering tranquility from the city of Nairobi, one of East Africa’s bustling downtowns.
An outdoor swimming pool, massive guest rooms and plenty of green space are all less than 30 minutes from the city-center Wilson Airport, where many safari flights depart.
6. The Anam Mui Ne, Vietnam
Along the East Sea, this resort is similar to a Hawaiian getaway with beautiful sea views and two sparkling swimming pools.
The Vietnamese restaurant serves traditional regional recipes from around the country, and don’t miss the evening sundowner music and dance performances.
7. Viceroy Bali
This small, family-owned resort five minutes from Ubud is surrounded by rice fields and lush foliage ideal for guests looking for a wellness vacation, especially one focused on meditation and self-improvement.
Its 40 private villas offer oversized infinity pools, and local experiences include everything from a walk through the rice paddies to Balinese dance lessons and temple offerings.
8. Keswick Hall, Charlottesville, Virginia
This luxury resort overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Virginia countryside boasts renovated interiors, a new spa and a Jean-Georges’ restaurant.
History buffs will appreciate its proximity to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
9. The Roundtree, Amagansett
In the Hamptons on Long Island, this boutique hotel provides respite from the bustle of New York City and puts visitors within reach of the Atlantic Ocean.
A beach buggy takes guests to the shore during the summer, but back at the property, there is a lot to do, too. This includes popcorn and s’mores by the fire pit, afternoon tea and cookies, biking around the area, golf, baking classes and wine tastings.
The accommodations are made up of rooms, suites and private cottages.
The Hilton Honors and SLH exclusive partnership recapped
Hilton Honors members have another option for earning and redeeming points now that there is an exclusive partnership between Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. As long as you make a reservation through a Hilton channel, SLH hotels now offer Hilton Honors members access to more than 500 boutique hotels around the world.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for: