Air travel can be stressful enough without having to wade through throngs of people, pay for an overpriced hamburger or search for a seat. This is especially true if you’re flying through Las Vegas, where slot machines dominate much of the terminals.
But Harry Reid International Airport is not all gambling and pricey snacks. There are airport lounges scattered throughout the terminals, and each features complimentary food and drinks, an abundance of chargers and ample seating.
About Las Vegas lounges
Airport lounges can be a useful way to relieve some of the stress from traveling. Although they can be crowded (and may even require waitlists at times), they tend to be better staffed than the standard airport terminal.
Beyond this, they also feature extra amenities like complimentary food and sometimes even showers.
American Express Centurion Lounge
American Express is at the forefront of the luxury airport lounge experience and the brand’s Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas is no exception. Located in the D Concourse opposite gate D1, the American Express Centurion Lounge is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Those who are traveling in other terminals are able to access the lounge via the tram system, which is located after security.
Only cardholders and authorized users are granted complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge. Cardholders can opt to pay a $50 ($30 for those aged 2-17) fee per guest for entry. Otherwise, those who spend more than $75,000 in a calendar year on an eligible card are able to bring in up to two guests free of charge.
The Club LAS
There are two The Club LAS lounges at Las Vegas airport. One is located in Terminal 3 and is open from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily.
The other is located in the D Concourse and is open from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. each day.
Both of these lounges are accessible to those who have a Priority Pass Select membership. Priority Pass Select memberships are offered by many different premium travel credit cards and confer unlimited complimentary access to eligible lounges.
United Club Lounge
If you hold an eligible United credit card or otherwise have a United Club membership, you can make your way to the Las Vegas United Club Lounge. Star Alliance Gold members on eligible flights also have access to the lounge.
One-time passes can be purchased by those with a boarding pass for same-day travel on a Star Alliance, United or partner flight. It costs $59 per person and can be bought in person or through United’s mobile app.
Open from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily, the lounge is located in Concourse D between gates D33 and D35.
USO Lounge
The two USO Lounges in Las Vegas are available exclusively to active duty members of the military and their families. The first is located in Terminal 1 just outside the security checkpoint for A and B gates. It’s open from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
The second USO lounge is located in Terminal 3 in the baggage claim area, next to carousel 20. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
Lounges coming soon
Chase Sapphire Lounge
Chase has two airport lounges currently open, one in Boston (BOS) and one in Hong Kong (HKG). It has also announced a future lounge in Las Vegas at C gates, though there is no opening date specified.
Capital One Lounge
Capital One also has two lounges that are currently open — one in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and the other in Washington D.C. (IAD). Along with one in Denver (DEN), Capital One is planning on launching a lounge in Las Vegas.
If you want to use the lounges in the Las Vegas airport
The fun doesn’t have to end when you leave Las Vegas.
If you’re flying through the airport, take advantage of the Las Vegas lounges on offer before takeoff. Along with free food and drinks, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of amenities.
Before you go, be sure you have a credit card or membership that grants you airport lounge access. While it’s possible to pay for a day pass for certain lounges, many premium cards offer complimentary lounge access as a perk to cardholders.
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 2023, including those best for:
Denver International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the world, with more than 69 million passengers passing through its terminals in 2022.
Getting access to one of Denver’s airport lounges can improve your chances of finding more peace and quiet — or at least having a snack before you hit the skies.
Here are the lounges at Denver airport currently available for departing passengers.
Concourse A: Delta, United, Capital One and more
Denver airport’s Concourse A is home to the most airlines of the three concourses. This includes:
Air Canada.
Air France.
British Airways.
Copa Airlines.
Delta Air Lines.
Edelweiss.
Frontier Airlines.
Lufthansa.
United Airlines.
Given the number of airlines that fly into Concourse A, it should come as no surprise that it has more lounges than other concourses.
Delta Sky Club
The Delta Sky Club in Denver is located at the pedestrian bridge Y juncture on level 4, on the south end of the center core.
Open from 4:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. on Sunday through Friday and 4:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Denver’s Delta Sky Club lounge includes a buffet, two seating areas, a self-serve bar and other complimentary beverages.
The lounge is open to:
Delta Sky Club annual members traveling on Delta or a partner airline.
Passengers flying first or business class on a SkyTeam airline.
Diamond, Platinum, and Gold-level Medallion members traveling Delta premium select (or the equivalent from a SkyTeam airline).
Select credit card holders, including those with the The Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Terms apply.
United Club
Located near gate A26.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Offers free snacks, a full-service bar and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline, flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Cards with United Club access
United℠ Explorer Card
on Chase’s website
United Club℠ Infinite Card
on Chase’s website
United Club℠ Business Card
Details
Annual fee:$0 intro for the first year, then $95.
Lounge access: Two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each year for your cardmember anniversary.
Annual fee:$525.
Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.
Annual fee:$450.
Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.
Learn more
Capital One Lounge
Located near gate A34, mezzanine level.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The lounge features:
Drinks (including cocktails, wine and craft beer).
Shower suites and more.
Open with unlimited access to those with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Venture X Business. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Spark Miles cardholders who are limited to two complimentary lounge visits per year.
USO
Located on the north end of A Gates Bridge from Jeppesen Terminal.
Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The lounge includes coffee, snacks, drinks, games and complimentary Wi-Fi.
To use the USO lounge, you need to have a current active duty, Guard, Reserve or dependent ID card. Military retiree ID cards are accepted for access if space is available.
Concourse B: United Clubs
Concourse B exclusively has flights for United, which is why the only lounges here are United Clubs. Below is a list of the United lounges in the concourse.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Those with a boarding pass for same-day travel on a Star Alliance, United or a partner flight can purchase a one-time pass to a United Club in person or through United’s mobile app for $59 per passenger.
United Club – West
Located near gate B30.
Open from 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This United Club in Denver is the largest United lounge in the world. It measures 35,000 square feet and features a bar with craft beer, relaxation rooms, a buffet, a fireplace and a robot that takes away your used plates and glasses.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline.
Flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Flyers with a United Club membership or a United Club one-time pass.
United Club
Located near gate B44.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The lounge offers a full-service bar, complimentary snacks and Wi-Fi.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline.
Flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Flyers with a United Club membership or a United Club one-time pass.
United Club Fly
Located near gate B60.
Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This unique lounge gives United passengers with lounge access the ability to quickly grab sandwiches, snacks and drinks to take with them on their flight. While there is a small dining area in the lounge, it’s designed more for a quick grab-and-go experience.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline.
Flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are either flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Flyers with a United Club membership or a United Club one-time pass.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can purchase an annual pass to United Club lounges or get access from certain United credit cards. For instance, the United℠ Explorer Card (annual fee $0 intro for the first year, then $95) includes two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each cardmember anniversary, while United Club℠ Infinite Card (annual fee $525) includes a United Club membership.
Concourse C: Centurion Lounge, Admirals Club
Concourse C is also home to the American Express Centurion lounge in Denver.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United fly into Concourse C.
American Express Centurion Lounge
Located near gate C46.
Open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Denver Centurion Lounge, which is over 14,000 square feet, features craft beer, a live-action cooking station with a chef-designed Italian menu, an immersive game experience and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Open to cardholders who have either the The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express Centurion, and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Terms apply.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Located near gate C30.
Open from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Admirals Club in Denver offers complimentary Wi-Fi, food for purchase and conference rooms.
This lounge is open to:
One-day pass holders.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
Qualifying first and business-class passengers.
Final thoughts on Denver airport lounges
Denver has a number of lounges, including a Centurion Lounge from AmEx. Even so, the most impressive lounge at the Denver airport is United’s new United Club – West lounge.
While United does have the largest lounge presence in the Denver airport, Delta, British Airways, American Airways and Capital One also offer lounge access.
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 2023, including those best for:
If you’re traveling to southern Florida or connecting on a flight to further destinations, there’s a chance you may find yourself hanging out in the Fort Lauderdale airport.
With over 700 flights a day in and out of the airport, plenty of passengers want a calm place to relax while waiting for their flight. That’s where the lounges at Fort Lauderdale airport come in.
Find out what your Fort Lauderdale airport lounge options are — and how to access them — below.
About Fort Lauderdale airport lounges
The Fort Lauderdale airport may not be as big as its neighbor in Miami, but it was ranked the 17th busiest airport in the U.S. based on passenger traffic in 2022. It’s convenient for those in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Boca Raton, and both Miami and Palm Beach are within an hour’s driving distance.
Four airlines have operations bases in Fort Lauderdale: Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines. Several others, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines and various international carriers, also have flights in and out of the airport.
The lounges in Fort Lauderdale airport are all found within the airport’s four terminals: 1, 2, 3 and 4. With so much passenger traffic, you might expect many lounges to choose from; however, there are only three lounges in this airport, with an additional Priority Pass dining option.
Two lounges are linked to specific airlines, Delta and United, while the other options are accessible for certain credit card holders or Priority Pass members. Whichever lounge you choose to bide your time in, you’ll likely require a same-day boarding pass to enter.
Terminal 1: United Club lounge
Terminal 1 typically serves domestic carriers, such as Allegiant, Southwest and United, though some international flights also depart from here. There’s only one lounge in this terminal, and to access it you’ll need to be flying on United or one of its Star Alliance partners.
United Club Lounge
Located next to the escalators near Gate C1.
Open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Must have a same-day boarding pass to enter.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, snacks and a full-service bar.
This lounge is open to those flying in a United or Star Alliance premium class cabin, Star Alliance Gold elite status holders flying on a United or Star Alliance flight and those holding a United Club membership or a one-day pass.
United Club membership allows travelers to access more than 45 United Club locations around the world. Prices begin at $650 or 85,000 miles annually. Membership is also included as a benefit if you hold the United Club℠ Infinite Card.
Terminal 2: Delta Sky Club
Terminal 2 serves American, Delta and Southwest, along with a handful of other domestic and international airlines. If you’re looking for a lounge in Terminal 2, your only option is the Delta Sky Club.
Delta Sky Club
Located between gates D2 and D3.
Open from 4:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.
Access is limited to those with a same-day boarding pass up to three hours before the flight’s departure.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, a hot and cold buffet and a full-service bar.
There’s a wide range of travelers who are eligible to enter the Sky Club. Passengers booked in Delta One on domestic or international flights (excluding the Caribbean) or in a SkyTeam partner’s premium cabin receive lounge access, as do Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion and SkyTeam Elite Plus status holders.
Certain credit card holders can also gain complimentary access to the Sky Club lounge. These cards include the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, the Centurion card and The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Those who hold the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card can access the lounge for a $50 fee per visit.
Some premium class flyers or elite status holders with LATAM, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet also can receive access to the Sky Club lounge.
Finally, annual memberships to all Delta Sky Clubs are available for purchase by Medallion status holders. Prices start at $695.00 or 69,500 SkyMiles for an individual membership. Note that even if you hold a membership, you won’t be able to access the lounge if you’re flying in basic economy — unless you also hold an eligible American Express credit card.
Terminal 3: Escape Lounge
Terminal 3 is where you’ll find gates for American, Delta and United, as well as other U.S. airlines like Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit. This terminal has one lounge — the Escape Lounge — which isn’t connected to any specific airline, and therefore is open to any traveler who wants to pay the entrance fee.
Escape Lounge
Located between the E and F gates.
Open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Accessible to travelers flying on any airline.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, a hot and cold buffet, full-service bar and showers.
For most travelers, it will cost $45 to enter the lounge, or $40 if you pre-book more than 24 hours prior to your arrival.
However, access is free to anyone holding The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Centurion card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
However, those entering with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card must be traveling on a Delta flight to receive free entry.
Terminal 4: Priority Pass dining
Terminal 4 is home primarily to Southwest airlines, among others, and is lacking an actual lounge. However, Priority Pass members do have one option available to them in the form of a restaurant discount.
Priority Pass discount: Kafe Kalik
Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Located near gate G6.
Must have Priority Pass membership card and same-day boarding pass to receive discount.
Those with certain types of Priority Pass memberships can receive a $28 discount off their restaurant bill for dine-in service. Note that those who get Priority Pass memberships through a credit card, notably some American Express and Capital One cards, may not be eligible for this benefit.
If you’d like to join Priority Pass, memberships begin at $99 annually, which includes a $35 fee every time you visit a lounge. Plans that include limited free visits begin at $329 per year. However, many travel credit cards include Priority Pass Select as a benefit, which is another way to receive membership.
Fort Lauderdale airport lounges recapped
For such a busy place, there aren’t very many lounge options available at Fort Lauderdale airport. However, if you’re flying on Delta or United and are eligible to access their lounges, you’ll have a great place to relax and recharge before your flight.
For those who aren’t able to access the airline lounges, the Escape Lounge is a good choice if you don’t mind paying to enter — or if you have a credit card that gets you free access. If you’re planning to use the Priority Pass dining benefit, make sure you check the rules of your particular membership to ensure you’re eligible for the restaurant credit.
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 2023, including those best for:
Capital One has announced that lounge access will be removed for Venture Rewards & Spark Miles for business cardholders. This change will come into effect on January 1, 2025. Currently cardholders receive two free passes per year. Not a huge negative change, but still not good news.
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Editorial Disclosure:Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Snapshot: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards credit card is a good fit for the occasional traveler who wants to earn travel rewards on everyday purchases without paying hefty annual fees.
Like what you see? Learn how to apply for a Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card
travel rewards cards. Your travel miles never expire as long as you maintain the account. You also have the freedom to transfer these miles to more than a dozen travel loyalty programs that partner with Capital One.
0% Introductory APR For The First 15 Months
If you plan to make many large purchases within the first year or transfer your balance from another credit card, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards credit card offers 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 15 months, with an ongoing reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR after that (credit-building credit card since it’s only available to those with excellent credit.
Like what you see? Learn how to apply for a Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card here
Advertiser Disclosure: Credit.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Credit.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Advertiser Disclosure: Credit.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Credit.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Editorial Disclosure:Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Snapshot: Provided that you’re a student, you can gain access to fantastic cash back rates (anywhere from 1% – 10%, depending on the category), even if you have no prior credit. Did we also mention the annual_fees annual fee?
Pros
Cons
annual_fees annual fee
This card allows balance transfers but there’s no introductory APR for them
3% cash back on dining, select streaming services, entertainment and grocery store purchases
Potentially higher APR
A potential for relatively low APR for a student credit card
bonus_miles_full
Like what you see? Learn how to apply for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card – which you generally have to have at least a good credit score to qualify for (and it has a higher regular APR)*.
You get access to amazing cash back rates on dining and grocery shopping – which are common expenses – in addition to a flat 1% cash back on everything else. This card does have a relatively high APR (see how it compares to other cards) but no annual fee, so as long as you pay your statement on time, you won’t have to worry about interest. (Paying your credit card bill on time will also help you build good credit in preparation for your next card, auto loan, or apartment application, after you graduate).
When you’re just starting out on your own having no credit or bad credit can be a barrier to many things you need in adulthood, like an apartment lease, a car loan or a halfway decent credit card. You need credit to get credit, and most of the time the options aren’t great.
This card is great (actually). Like we said before, many of this card’s benefits are very similar to the card_name. But where you need great credit to qualify for that card, you can qualify for the same benefits by being in school.
So if you’re worried about a low credit score, or maybe you’ve just turned 18 and are starting out on your own and have no credit, provided that you’re a student (among other qualifying factors) this is a great credit card to apply for.
Great Rewards for Dining
If you’re cramming for a test and just don’t have the time to plan out meals and need to Uber Eats some food to keep the study session going uninterrupted, at least you’ll be making a whopping 10% (10%!) cash back on your splurge (through 11/14/2024). 3% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) is also great – not only are groceries a regular expense, but 3% is a decently high rate for a cash back category.
Whether you’re the kind of shopper who loves spending time researching a great deal, or you don’t have the mental energy to pay attention to such things, this card has you covered. Not only does it have great cash back rates, but it also has a varied enough mix of rewards categories that you can earn cash back without having to go out of your way to make unusual purchases.
Like what you see? Learn how to apply for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card
The Drawbacks
No Introductory APR
If you’re looking for a 0% APR offer, you won’t find it with this card. That means you can’t use this card to make a major purchase you can pay off over a year or two without accruing interest. That’s certainly not a deal breaker for most students, but it’s something to consider.
Potentially High APR
It’s hard to say what ongoing APR you will get when you apply for this card, the quoted range is quite wide at reg_apr,reg_apr_type. If you qualify for a lower APR, great! But if you end up paying a higher APR, that could be a drawback. Especially if you want to rely on this card to help you cover larger purchases.
Is It Worth It?
For students who eat out or grab coffee on the go a lot, this card may be a good option. It lets you earn decent cash back perks, and as long as you pay off your statement every month, that’s cash in your pocket.
What Are The Credit Limits For Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card (Minimum and Maximum)?
Your credit limit is determined by your credit history and factors such as income. From what we’ve seen other users report, credit limits may range from $300 to $700 (at least initially), though approvals could certainly fall outside those ranges.
How Soon Can I Increase My Credit Limit After Being Approved For A Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card?
Capital One may let you request a credit limit increase after 6 months, though approval of the increase is not guaranteed. During that time you will need to demonstrate that you can handle your credit responsibly, which means both using and paying off your bill on-time.
How Good Is A Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card For Building Credit?
This is an excellent card for building credit because you don’t necessarily need great credit to get it. Capital One is a well-recognized credit card provider that typically reports payment history to the credit bureaus. That helps you build a stronger credit profile.
Learn more about how to apply for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card here:
Advertiser Disclosure: Credit.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Credit.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Looking for the best coupon sites? Coupon sites can help you save money, get free gift cards, and even allow you to get free stuff. Everyone likes getting a good deal. Using coupons is a great way to save money on things you buy every day. Now, with online shopping becoming more popular, there are…
Looking for the best coupon sites?
Coupon sites can help you save money, get free gift cards, and even allow you to get free stuff.
Everyone likes getting a good deal. Using coupons is a great way to save money on things you buy every day. Now, with online shopping becoming more popular, there are websites that give you a lot of good deals. These sites not only have discounts and codes to save money but also share useful tips to help you save even more.
Key Takeaways
Coupon sites are an easy way to save while shopping online.
The best coupon sites have a variety of money-saving options including cash back, promo codes, and even price checking.
My favorite for cash back is Rakuten.
My favorite promo code browser extension is Capital One Shopping.
My favorite for saving money on gas is Upside.
Recommended reading: Is Couponing Worth It?
15 Best Coupon Sites To Save Money Every Day
Below are the top coupon sites that I recommend trying out.
1. Rakuten
Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is a popular cash back site that gives you cash back on a wide range of items that you can buy online, and you can earn free money for spending how you normally would online.
I have been using Rakuten for years and it is so easy to use, plus it’s free! In fact, I just received my most recent Rakuten payment yesterday for $60.
You simply choose a store where you want to buy things, like Walmart, Target, Sephora, Chewy, or Old Navy on the Rakuten website. (You will start at Rakuten’s homepage, their app, or via their browser extension). Then, you click on the store through Rakuten’s platform, and you shop online there just like you usually do.
The cash back is activated automatically, and it will be added to your account without any extra work needed from you.
Rakuten earns a commission for directing you to the store where you shopped, and they share some of that money with you as a reward. This helps you save money and adds a little extra to your pocket.
Please click here to sign up for Rakuten for free.
2. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping automatically applies coupon codes for many different online stores. Using Capital One Shopping is free, and it’s a browser extension that works with all the main web browsers.
I personally have this browser extension installed on my laptop, and it’s been a no-brainer.
Capital One Shopping is a great promo code site because it automatically adds coupon codes while you shop online. This saves you time and money since you don’t have to search for coupon codes yourself.
This is one of the best automatic savings sites because you don’t need to do anything extra. The Capital One Shopping browser extension does all of the work for you. It checks different coupon codes when you’re checking out and automatically uses the best coupon codes for your purchase.
It’s free to use Capital One Shopping, and it is a browser extension that works with all major browsers.
You shop as you normally do, and the Capital One Shopping app works quietly in the background. I have it on my laptop, and it’s amazing. It helps me find the best deals without any extra effort on my part.
You can sign up for Capital One Shopping here.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a rewards site where you can get cash back when shopping online and find coupons and promo codes to use.
Some sites listed on Swagbucks where you can get cash back or use promo codes include Kohl’s, Macy’s, Walmart, Amazon, and more.
I personally have been a member of Swagbucks for around 10 years now, and I have earned over 110 free gift cards by using their rewards platform. So, I definitely believe in this site!
Plus, there are also many other ways you can earn points on Swagbucks such as watching videos on their website, scanning your receipts, answering polls, and even searching the web using their search engine.
Here’s how Swagbucks works:
You join Swagbucks through my referral link, and receive a $10 bonus.
Earn points by using their coupon codes or cash back links.
Then, you can redeem your points for PayPal cash or gift cards (such as to Amazon or Walmart).
And, that’s it! It’s very easy.
4. Upside
Upside gives cash back on gas that you buy for your car at gas stations, giving you even more ways to save on your everyday expenses.
Upside helps you find gas stations where you can get cash back on your purchases. Just sign up for a free account, and then use the Upside app to find nearby gas stations.
You can get up to $0.25 cash back per gallon at gas stations, which can add up quickly for doing something that you already have to do (filling up your gas tank).
Plus, there are more than 50,000 locations nationwide, such as Shell, Phillips 66, BP, Casey’s, and more.
You can check out Upside here to learn more.
5. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards isn’t exactly a coupon site, but you do get to earn points for your normal everyday shopping. I use it each time I go grocery shopping!
With Fetch Rewards, you get points by taking pictures of your receipts and submitting them through the Fetch Rewards app. This works for receipts from any store, whether it’s a grocery store, clothing store, restaurant, gas station, and more.
Afterward, you can exchange the points you’ve earned for gift cards.
Here’s how Fetch Rewards works:
Shop like you normally would.
Scan your receipt with your cell phone after you’re done shopping.
Earn points on Fetch Rewards automatically.
You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.
6. RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot is a site that has coupons, promo codes, and cash back offers.
They have a deal finder extension which automatically applies coupon codes as well as gives you cash back up to 10% when you shop online.
Popular stores available through RetailMeNot include Amazon, Target, Ulta, Lowe’s, Zales, American Eagle, and more. There are over 30,000 stores available on this site, so I’m sure you’ll find some easy savings by using this platform.
7. Honey
Honey (also known as PayPal Honey) is a browser extension that finds coupon codes for you when you shop online.
You simply just install the Honey browser extension, and then it automatically finds and applies available coupon codes and promo codes to your shopping cart so that you can save money. It works with over 30,000 stores, such as restaurants, clothing stores, travel booking, and more.
You can then redeem your points for cash, gift cards, or PayPal shopping credits.
You can learn more about Honey by clicking here.
8. Groupon
Groupon has deals on experiences, products, and services in your local area, and you can find discounts on dining, entertainment, travel, and more, all designed to help you save while supporting local businesses.
You’ve probably heard of Groupon before, but perhaps you haven’t used it in a while. Yes, it is still around and my sister actually uses Groupon all the time! I haven’t used it in forever, but I plan on changing that – I simply just forgot about how great this platform is.
You can use Groupon to get deals where you live, such as for restaurants or spas near you. Or, you can also use them when you’re on vacation to get deals on activities (such as tours), admissions to museums, discounted restaurant meals, and more.
For example, here are some deals on Groupon that I found:
A massage for $46.75 (full price is $75)
A meal at a restaurant for $21.38 (full price is normally $35)
Admission to an aquarium for $14.96 (normal price is $24.99)
Here’s how Groupon works: You simply browse on the Groupon site for a deal you’re interested in. You then buy it directly on Groupon. Then, to use it, you simply go to the business and present your Groupon to get your deal (make sure to follow any terms too).
Please click here to find Groupon deals near you.
9. Ibotta
Ibotta is an app that gives you cash back on your grocery purchases (as well as many other stores). You can check out offers, upload your receipt, and receive cash back credited to your account.
You can get cash back at places such as Home Depot, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and your local grocery stores.
You can earn cash back both online and in-store with Ibotta, making it unique compared to other companies. Additionally, you can link your preferred loyalty cards to your Ibotta account, and Ibotta will automatically use loyalty discounts for you.
Please click here to sign up for Ibotta.
10. Coupons.com
Coupons.com has both printable and digital coupons for groceries, household items, baby items, pet care, and personal care products. So, whether you are looking to use coupons for your online shopping or if you want to use them in person at the store, this is a great site to start using.
Plus, it is free!
Coupons.com is used by over 2,000,000 people each year, and they share over 2,000 working coupons each month.
For their free printable coupons, you simply can browse on their site for the coupons that you want to use, print them out, and bring them to the store with you.
11. SlickDeals
SlickDeals is a deal-sharing community where users post and vote on the best deals they find online, with categories ranging from tech to clothing. This is also what sets SlickDeals apart from other coupon sites – the deals are found and shared by people like you and me.
They share coupons, promo codes, and discounts available for you to use.
Over 12,000,000 shoppers use SlickDeals each month, and they have saved over $10 BILLION since the site was started.
12. Amazon Coupons
Amazon Coupons are discounts and deals on products sold on Amazon’s website.
They are super simple to use too!
When you’re shopping for something on Amazon, sometimes it will show you a coupon next to the price. You simply “clip” the coupon before adding the item to your cart, and the discount will be applied at checkout.
I see these all the time and recently used one to save $2.25 on a train set for my daughter. All I had to do was click on the green coupon button next to the price when on the sales page for the train set on Amazon. It couldn’t be any easier!
Another way to use coupons on Amazon is to go to the Amazon Coupons homepage, and see what coupons are available to you.
Some coupons that I see on Amazon Coupons right now include $15 off a pair of walking shoes, 50% off a toaster, and more. There are a ton of coupons available in many different categories such as health, grocery, beauty, electronics, home, toys, and more.
13. Hip2Save
Hip2Save is a blog-style coupon site that shares the latest deals, coupons, and money-saving tips.
This site shares coupons and deals information on many different stores such as Amazon, Aldi, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and more.
In my opinion, this is one of the best coupon websites, because they help you in so many areas related to saving money and finding the best deals on stuff.
What I love about Hip2Save is that this site shares where you can find the best deals (such as for specific toys or gaming systems) as well as the best deals at a specific store (such as Aldi Weekly Finds Under $10). It’s nice to see what items are currently at a low price and where to buy them.
So, instead of just sharing coupon codes, this platform shares so much more so that you can save the most money and not miss out.
14. The Krazy Coupon Lady
The Krazy Coupon Lady has deal alerts, coupon matchups, discount codes, and money-saving tips for popular stores. They share up-to-date information on the best deals and teach you how to become a smarter shopper.
Some of the stores that you can find deals for include Amazon, Target, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Barnes & Noble, Kroger, and more.
This is a great all-around website that will help you to save more money.
15. Brad’s Deals
Brad’s Deals is a site that shares deals, coupons, and even has shopping guides. Over 5,500,000 people use Brad’s Deals each month, and over $200,000,000 is typically saved each year by their readers.
When Brad’s Deals comes across a good deal, they share it as a blog post so that people don’t miss out. For example, they may share a quick blog post on how you can get luggage for cheap or a good deal on leather gloves that they recently came across.
These deals are all handpicked personally by their team, so you know that these deals are real and not a waste of time.
What Makes A Good Coupon Site?
So, after reading about all of the different top coupon sites above, what actually makes a good coupon site?
As you read above, there are many different coupon sites, so where should you start?
Different things work for different people, so here are some things to look for when choosing a coupon site:
Wide range of coupons – It’s easiest when a coupon site has coupons for many different stores so that you can use just one coupon platform.
Up-to-date coupons that aren’t expired – A good coupon site should regularly update its coupon database to make sure that you always have access to the latest deals and discounts.
Easy to use – The easier to use, the better. I really like browser extensions because they are set-it-and-forget-it; they will automatically apply coupon codes for you. Other things to think about related to this include if the site is available on your cell phone, such as for Android devices or iOS.
Reliability – One thing I dislike about some coupon sites is that they give you coupon codes that don’t work. So, it’s a waste of time. Some coupon sites are much better than others and give you real coupon codes (such as the sites above).
You may also want to think about if you are looking for a site that has mainly online retailers or if you are looking to find deals on in-store purchases as well.
The Different Kinds Of Coupons
Another area to think about is the different kinds of coupons and discounts that you may come across.
Manufacturer’s coupons
Manufacturer’s coupons come from the product manufacturer, giving you a discount on their item at any store selling it. These coupons usually last longer and can be found in newspapers, magazines, or online. You can also combine them with store coupons for more savings. Examples include coupons from companies like Procter & Gamble, General Mills, Tide, and Colgate.
Store coupon
Store coupons are meant for a specific store, like Target or Walmart, and can only be used there. You can find store coupons in weekly flyers or on the store’s website, and they are usually designed to get customers to shop at their particular store. For example, you may see a store coupon where a grocery store is giving $5 off any purchase over $100.
Cash back
Cash back offers give you back a part of your purchase as savings. So, you may get 5% back on a purchase at an online clothing store for simply shopping on a cash back rewards site. Unlike coupons, you need to join a cash back website or app, such as Rakuten, Swagbucks, or Ibotta. What’s great about cash back sites is that you can also combine them with other coupons or discounts so that you can save even more money. For example, you can use coupon codes and a cash back website on the same exact purchase.
Coupon code
Coupon codes are combinations of letters and numbers used online to get discounts during checkout (for example, a coupon code could be BLACKFRIDAY123). They are usually tied to a particular product or retailer and can sometimes be used alongside other promotions. You can discover coupon codes on coupon websites, retailer sites, or in promotional emails. Coupon codes are a quick and convenient way to save money on your online purchases, making them a valuable tool for smart shoppers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Coupon Sites
Below are common questions about coupons and how to find the best coupon sites.
What is the best website to get coupons?
My favorite sites to get coupons and discounts include Rakuten, Capital One Shopping, and Upside.
Where do extreme couponers get their coupons?
Extreme couponers get their coupons from many different places, such as newspaper inserts, store sale flyers, online coupon websites like SmartSource, and even by searching on a company’s social media or their website. By using these different sources, extreme couponers can find the most coupons available to them and even build up stockpiles of items at a much lower cost than the retail price.
Recommended reading: 8 Ways To Be An Extreme Cheapskate
Where can I find the best printable coupons?
Websites such as Coupons.com, SmartSource, and RetailMeNot have a lot of different printable coupons for use in stores. To find the best printable coupons, you will want to visit these printable coupon websites and search for the products or brands that you want to buy. Of course, always make sure to check the expiration dates and any specific terms and conditions before printing.
What browser extensions can I use to find coupons?
My favorite coupon code browser extension is Capital One Shopping. This type of tool automatically searches for and applies the best coupon codes to your purchase during the checkout process (and then chooses the highest dollar discount), which makes it easy to save money without spending time manually searching for deals and coupon codes (which can be quite annoying and time consuming). Coupon code browser extensions are available to download on different browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and more.
Best Free Coupon Websites – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to find the best coupon sites.
Just like online stores have changed how we shop, coupon websites have also made saving money different. We don’t need to cut out paper coupons anymore (but, you definitely can if you want to as there are printable coupon sites listed above as well!).
Now, we can find lots of online coupons and digital discounts with just a few clicks.
The best coupon sites give us different ways to save money, like getting cash back or using promo codes. They have options for almost every kind of shopper.
Do you use any of these top free coupon sites? Why or why not?
Are you looking for the best sites to scan receipts to make extra money? In our busy world, who wouldn’t want to earn some extra money without working hard? One way to do this is by taking pictures of your everyday shopping receipts. There are apps for your phone that can turn your regular shopping…
Are you looking for the best sites to scan receipts to make extra money?
In our busy world, who wouldn’t want to earn some extra money without working hard? One way to do this is by taking pictures of your everyday shopping receipts. There are apps for your phone that can turn your regular shopping (whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothes, gas, or other stuff) into cash and gift cards.
Plus, the process of scanning receipts for money is extremely simple.
I have personally been using receipt scanning apps for years now – I love how easy they are to use and how you can earn points or cash while barely spending any time. Plus, I already have the receipts – so it’s nice to make some extra money by doing almost nothing.
Key Takeaways on the best receipt scanning apps
Scanning receipts can earn you cash back and free gift cards.
My favorite receipt scanning and cash back sites include Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, and Rakuten.
Receipt scanning apps pay people to scan receipts for a few different reasons such as: 1) Because brands and stores give the apps money for gathering information about what people buy from their receipts. Then, the apps give a part of this money back to users as rewards. 2) To reward people for shopping through their referral links.
14 Best Apps To Scan Receipts For Money
Below, you’ll find a list of the best apps to scan your receipts and earn money. I am personally signed up for many of the apps and sites listed below, and they are so easy to use!
1. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is an easy-to-use app that rewards you for scanning your shopping receipts, such as at grocery stores and even gas stations. Just shop as usual, and after your purchase, take a picture of the receipt in the Fetch Rewards app.
You’ll earn points for every receipt you take a picture of, which you can later redeem for free gift cards (such as to places like Target, Visa, and Amazon) and other rewards.
You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.
I really like this app because it’s super easy to use. I’ve been using it for a while, and it makes getting rewards from your regular shopping easy.
You can also read my review at My Real Fetch Rewards Review.
2. Ibotta
Ibotta is one of the most popular receipt-scanning apps. You select the items you want to buy, go to the store, then scan your receipt.
You can redeem rebates while shopping from stores such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, Walgreens, CVS, City Market, and more.
You can sign up for Ibotta here.
Also, in case you’re wondering how Ibotta and Fetch differ: Fetch Rewards and Ibotta are very similar. All of the receipt-scanning apps are fairly similar too, but they do have some differences.
For example, Fetch Rewards is easier to use than Ibotta. With Fetch Rewards, you just take a picture of your receipt using the app, and that’s it. Ibotta, on the other hand, is more like using digital coupons and takes a few more minutes. Basically, you go through the Ibotta app and see if there are “coupons” that you want to shop with for a specific item like cereal or bread. However, even though there’s a little more work, you can usually earn more rewards with Ibotta. So, it depends on what works best for you!
The great part is that you can use the exact same grocery receipt for both Fetch and Ibotta.
For me, I go shopping and scan my receipts with both apps. It only takes me probably less than a minute to do so, and I can earn more points for free gift cards this way.
3. KashKick
KashKick is a site where you can get rewards for doing things like shopping, answering questions, and playing games online. You can then turn these rewards into real money through PayPal.
Simply head to KashKick and go to their Offers tab. There, you can see if you can unlock any offers where you can scan a receipt for points.
Please click here to sign up for KashKick.
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is not only a receipt-scanning app but also a site to make money by taking surveys, watching videos, and more.
You simply go to the Swagbucks website and go to the “Magic Receipts” tab. You can then scan any receipt from any store (grocery stores, warehouse club stores, drugstores, home improvement stores, clothing stores, restaurants, and more) and earn points.
Swagbucks is a company that I started using years ago, and it has helped me easily earn some extra cash on the side, all from home or while traveling. I exchange my points for Amazon gift cards and have earned over 100 free gifts over the years.
Please click here to join Swagbucks.
5. Rakuten
Rakuten is the best cash back app that rewards you for your online purchases. So, it’s technically not a receipt-scanning app, but you do get cash back for shopping just like how you normally would.
All you have to do is choose a store you want to shop from (they have a wide range like Kohl’s, REI, Toys “R” Us, and many more) and shop just like you normally would online. It’s that simple!
Rakuten earns a commission for sending you to the store you shopped at, and they share some of that money back with you as a reward. It’s a win-win!
Please click here to sign up for Rakuten. You can also get a $40 bonus for spending $40 through my link.
6. Upromise
Upromise is a site that helps you save money for college by scanning your receipts.
When you shop at partner stores and upload the receipts, a percentage of your purchase amount is added to a college savings account or used to pay off student loans.
With Upromise Grocery Rewards, you simply add deals to your Upromise Grocery Rewards shopping list and click the “Add To List” button. Then, you shop at the store (either in-person or in-store), and take a picture of your receipt when done. You can either snap and upload your receipt or email it to Upromise directly.
Please click here to learn more about Upromise.
7. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog is a fun and easy-to-use app that rewards you for scanning your shopping receipts. All you have to do is take a picture of your receipt using the app, and you’ll earn rewards.
You can shop at any store (grocery store, convenience store, and more) and either in-person or online. You can then upload your paper or digital receipt onto the Receipt Hog app for coins, slot spins, or sweepstakes entries.
You can even link your Amazon account or other loyalty accounts like Walmart, Target, and Costco to earn rewards automatically without having to upload receipts.
8. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is another site where you can get cash back on your groceries and fuel purchases.
You simply download the free app on the App Store or Google Play Store. Then, look at the app to see what deals are available and make a shopping list – it’s kind of like using a digital coupon.
Click on “Redeem” and mark the items you bought on your receipt. Once you’ve done that, use the app’s camera to take clear, readable pictures of your receipt.
Once your receipt gets approved, they’ll add cash back to your account. You can cash out when you reach $20.
9. Tada
Tada is an app that gives you cash back on everyday purchases such as groceries, clothing, and dining out.
Using Tada is easy and you just shop at the stores that are part of the program. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt and you’ll earn cash back on the items that qualify. You can then exchange this for gift cards (such as to Home Depot, Target, Best Buy, Amazon, and Visa).
10. MyPoints
MyPoints is an app that not only lets you scan receipts for rewards, but you can also make money answering surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. With MyPoints, you can earn points by scanning your receipts, and then redeem them for gift cards or cash.
To get started with MyPoints, just go to their website and the “Magic Receipts” section. You can snap a picture of any receipt from stores like grocery stores, warehouse clubs, drugstores, clothing stores, restaurants, and more.
Please click here to sign up for MyPoints.
11. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is an app that allows you to earn cash by scanning receipts as well as taking surveys and doing other tasks.
To begin using InboxDollars, go to their website and find the “Magic Receipts” section. Then, take a picture of a receipt from stores like grocery stores, warehouse clubs, drugstores, clothing stores, restaurants, and others. Every receipt earns you points, which you can later convert into cash or gift cards.
You get a minimum of $0.01 for any receipt you scan, plus whatever deals you qualify for. For example, I just logged in and some of the deals available to me include $0.50 cash back on eggs (from any store and any brand), $4.00 back on deli meat, $5.00 back on whole milk yogurt, $8.00 back on chicken nuggets, and more.
Please click here to sign up for InboxDollars.
12. ReceiptPal
ReceiptPal is an app that rewards you for uploading your shopping receipts.
With ReceiptPal, you can take pictures of your paper receipts or link your email or Amazon account. This way, you’ll earn points for every receipt you submit.
You can exchange your points for gift cards from popular retailers, and you’ll also be entered into their weekly sweepstakes for a chance to win cash prizes.
13. Shopkick
Shopkick is an app that rewards you not only for scanning your receipts but also for simply walking into participating stores and scanning barcodes.
You earn points called “kicks” that can be redeemed for gift cards to TJ Maxx, Sephora, Walmart, Starbucks, and more.
Please click here to learn more about Shopkick.
14. Dosh
Dosh is a fast and easy-to-use app that automatically gives you cash back when you shop at participating stores (such as Disney, Costco, Lyft, AT&T, and over 10,000 other companies).
Simply link your debit or credit card to the app (or even your Venmo or bank account), and the rest is taken care of. When you shop and pay using your linked card, you’ll receive cash back directly into your Dosh account, which can be transferred to your bank or PayPal account.
Please click here to learn more about Dosh.
How Scanning Receipts For Money Works
Many of the receipt-scanning apps mentioned above work the same way:
To begin, just download an app like Fetch or Ibotta. Many of the sites above work whether you have an iPhone, Android, or even just from your computer.
After you finish shopping, open the app and look for the option to upload or scan your receipt. Use your phone’s camera to take a clear picture of the receipt. Typically, the receipt scanner will want to see what you purchased, the store you went shopping at, the order total, as well as the date.
Once you snap a picture of the receipt, the app will usually check and process the receipt. With certain apps like Ibotta, you might need to choose specific items you bought before scanning the receipt. On the other hand, apps like Fetch will automatically scan for eligible products. They each have their own way of doing it!
Your receipt is usually automatically processed, and you will see how many points you have earned within just seconds.
Your points can be turned into PayPal cash, gift cards, and more.
For me, I simply scan every grocery receipt right after I shop. It’s easy to do and only takes me a few moments.
How To Increase Your Earnings From Receipt Scanning
Here are some easy tips to make even more extra money when using receipt-scanning apps and rewards sites:
Use multiple receipt scanning apps – To increase your earnings, you can use more than one receipt-scanning app. This way, you can redeem different deals, cash back, and rewards points that each site gives you.
Download browser extensions – Some apps, like Capital One Shopping, can be downloaded straight to your computer and it will automatically scan for available coupons.
Use store loyalty cards – Most grocery stores have free store loyalty cards. Make sure you are using those to get the lowest prices while shopping, plus you can earn points.
Use cash back credit cards – If you are a careful credit card user and know that you won’t go into debt, credit card rewards can be an easy way to earn more free cash.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scanning Receipts For Money
Here are answers to common questions about scanning receipts for extra money.
How do these receipt scanning apps make money to pay users? Why do receipt scanning sites pay people to scan receipts?
Okay, so after reading the above – this may be your top question. Why would they pay you money? What’s in it for them? Are receipt-scanning apps a scam?
Apps that scan receipts make money by working with brands and stores. These brands and stores give the apps money for gathering important information about what people buy from their receipts (they want to learn more about your shopping behavior – such as what you buy and when). Then, the apps give a part of this money back to users as rewards for using their app.
Are receipt scanning apps safe to use?
Yes, many receipt-scanning apps are safe. They protect your personal information by encrypting it and following strict data protection rules. However, I recommend reading the app’s privacy policy and user reviews (such as on TrustPilot).
Can you make money by scanning receipts?
Yes, you can make money by scanning receipts. You can scan receipts for cash back, gift cards, or points that can be redeemed for rewards. Now, of course, this will not be a full-time income. You can simply earn some spare cash and free gift cards.
What types of rewards can I earn by scanning receipts?
When you scan receipts using these apps, you can earn rewards such as cash back, Amazon gift cards (and many other places), or even make donations to charity.
Is it illegal to scan other people’s receipts for Fetch?
Scanning other people’s receipts for Fetch, or any other receipt-scanning app, is almost always against the app’s terms of service and may result in your account being closed, so you should only use your own receipts.
Can I use more than one receipt scanning app per receipt?
Yes, you can usually use multiple receipt-scanning apps to maximize your rewards. However, make sure to read each app’s terms of service to make sure you’re not violating any rules or participating in actions that could result in account termination. Personally, I use multiple apps all the time for the same receipt, such as Fetch Rewards and Ibotta.
How To Scan Receipts for Money – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to scan receipts for money.
By using the apps and sites above, you can earn money or rewards while shopping, and it’s a simple way to get something extra from your everyday spending!
So, what is the best app to scan receipts and get money back?
My favorite receipt scanning app is Fetch Rewards. I’ve been using it for years! I also like to scan the same receipts with the Ibotta app. And, if I’m shopping online, then my favorite is Rakuten.
But, there are many great apps and sites listed above – find the best one for you and your own personal situation.
Do you scan receipts for money? What’s your favorite receipt scanning app?
The internet has done wonders in the world of Investment Tracking. With websites like Mint and now Power Wallet, tracking your finances for free online is a snap. But one thing that’s been missing is a robust tool to automatically track your investments.
Best Investment Tracking App
Sites like Mint do allow you to link your investment accounts. But they don’t help you understand your asset allocation or investing expenses in any meaningful way. And that brings me to a site I’ve recently starting using called Empower.
Empower is the best investment tracking tool that I’ve ever used. It solves several problems for me:
It automatically links to my investment accounts, keeping my holdings updated throughout the trading day;
It tracks the fees I’m paying for each mutual fund and ETF I own;
It provides detailed asset allocation data for my investments, much like the X-Ray feature of Morningstar;
It alerts me when my asset allocation is over or under-weighted as compared to a target asset allocation model determined based on my age and tolerance for risk; and
It offers retirement income calculations and projections based on your investments, projected social security, pensions, annuities, and other retirement income sources.
I’ve enjoyed the tool so much, that I thought a detailed review was in order.
Getting Started
Empower is a free tool. To get started, you simply create an account with your email address and password. Once you have access to the site, you can connect just about all of your bank and investment accounts into Empower.
I had no trouble connecting accounts from Citi, Capital One 360, Scottrade and Fidelity. And once all of your accounts are connected, the fun begins.
The Dashboard
The Dashboard is the one place you’ll find high level information about all your finances. While I use Empower primarily for my investments, you can also track your checking and savings accounts. In fact, they offer what is called a Cash Manager that lets you see all of your spending in one place.
Investment Tracking
Empower does a great job of tracking investments real-time. And just as importantly, the layout of the site and the way in which information about your investments is displayed is the best I’ve seen (note, the image is not of my personal investments):
What you can’t see from the above screen shot is what happens as you roll the cursor over parts of the screen. On the graph at the top left, you’ll see your investment balance by date. And as you roll the cursor over the colored ring top right, you’ll see details about each of your investment accounts.
And what’s really cool is when you click on an individual account in the list at the bottom. As you can see from the screenshot above, the graph highlights the portion of your total attributed to that account, and the colored ring breaks out the portion of the circle related to the selected account.
Now the truth is that while the above is really cool, it’s just information. It doesn’t really give you any analysis that you can actually use. But the next few features do.
Mutual Fund and ETF Expenses
As I’ve said many times, keeping investment expenses low is one of the most important factors for successful investing. And Empower gives you two tools to help you. The first is a breakdown of your investment costs by mutual fund or ETF.
In my case, total investment costs are a real eye-opener. Empower breaks down the cost by fund or ETF, so that you can focus your analysis and determine whether you need to make any changes. Through using the tool, it became clear to me that there are a couple of funds I need to dump for less expensive alternatives.
Cryptocurrency
Empower now offers the ability to track your cryptocurrency within the dashboard. Since last year, Empower saw its users increase the value of linked accounts by about 28% – so they’ve decided to start including the ability to track crypto now, too.
Since more people are starting to invest in things like Bitcoin, it only makes sense that you’d be able to track your tokens. Currently, you have the ability to track thousands of tokens across hundreds of different cryptocurrency exchanges. This is, of course, in addition to the loads of other benefits you’ll get from Empower.
401(k) Fee Analyzer
The second tool to help fight the high cost of investing is revolutionary. It’s called the 401k Fee Analyzer.
The first time you run this tool, it will base its analysis on data not specific to your retirement funds. But you can get additional data on 401k expenses from your employer or broker to get more accurate results.
What’s so great about the analyzer is that it doesn’t stop with just the expense ratios of the funds and ETFs you own. That part’s easy. It also looks at the costs funds charge you for trading, which aren’t reflected in the expense ratio. And it looks at administrative costs charged to run the 401k, which are often passed down to employees.
If you have a 401k, this tool by itself makes it worth checking out Empower. And it’s a good reminder as to why most folks should transfer their 401k to a rollover IRA when they leave their employer.
Asset Allocation Tools
The next handy tool is its asset allocation feature. The first thing it does is breaks down all of your investments by their asset class. And if a single fund or ETF contains investments that span more than one asset class, as most do, Empower slices and dices the fund to apportion your account into each relevant asset class.
You can click on each investment in the box chart at the top or the list at the bottom to get details of your asset classes. This is extremely helpful when it comes to rebalancing your portfolio.
Investment Checkup
With the click of a button Empower will analyze your investments. It compares your actual asset allocation with your target allocation, and flags asset classes in which you are over or under-weighted. It’s an easy way to see if you need to rebalance.
Note that in the above screenshot heading is a reference to my “target allocation.” You can set this by entering your name, how many years to retirement, and your investing style (e.g., aggressive, conservative). It takes all of 10 seconds, and Empower then generates a target allocation for you.
Robust Retirement Calculator
Finally, Empower offers a free retirement calculator. The tool takes into account your current investments, age, projected social security, projected savings, and just about any other information you want to include. Using monte carlo analysis, it then determines whether you are on track to retire.
As you can see from the screenshot, the retirement planner displays the results in easy to understand graphs. It also makes change the assumptions (e.g., inflation, social security) very easy.
So what’s not to like?
Frankly, not much. One thing I haven’t mentioned is that an advisor is available for a call or a live chat. When you log into your account, you’ll see a picture of your advisor, his or her name, and telephone number. And even better, they don’t hound you. I’ve not heard from my advisor, and that’s how I want it. If I need to speak to him, I’ll give him a call. But it’s good to know that’s an option.
Empower also has mobile versions of its site for iPhone, iPad and Android. I use the iPad app and have had no issues. I’ve not had any issues with linking accounts. Occasionally I have to provide or confirm my login credentials for certain accounts. But that’s it.
But there are three things that could be improved:
You can’t enter your own target asset allocation model. Empower creates one for you based on your age, time to retirement, and investing style. This is probably fine for the majority of investors, but a custom option would be nice.
The daily updates on stock and bond prices is a bit slow. As compared to Wikinvest, another tool I’ve used before, Empower could be faster
It does not include the cost basis of your investments, which would be nice.
So there you have it. Its an excellent tool. If you want to give it a try, visit the Empower website.
Check It Out: Empower Review
Learn More: The Best Stock Tracking Apps
Empower Personal Wealth, LLC (“EPW”) compensates Webpals Systems S. C LTD for new leads. Webpals Systems S. C LTD is not an investment client of Personal Capital Advisors Corporation or Empower Advisory Group, LLC
Rob Berger is the founder of Dough Roller and the Dough Roller Money Podcast. A former securities law attorney and Forbes deputy editor, Rob is the author of the book Retire Before Mom and Dad. He educates independent investors on his YouTube channel and at RobBerger.com.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice.
A CD rate refers to the interest someone can earn on a certificate of deposit over time.
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a term deposit where funds are only accessible after a set period. A CD rate refers to the interest that a person can earn on a certificate of deposit over time. There’s more to understand about CDs, including the factors that affect them and the various ways you can find solid rates.
Read on to learn how Credit.com can help you boost your financial knowledge and better understand how CD rates work.
Key Takeaways
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are savings accounts that brokerage firms, commercial banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions offer for set amounts of time.
The term CD rate refers to the interest you can gain on a CD account.
Inflation, trends in the banking industry, and government policies can impact CD rates.
Table of contents:
What Is a CD (Certificate of Deposit)?
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a term deposit (sometimes called a time deposit) wherein funds are set aside for a preset period of time. Once a person puts money toward a CD, they can’t access those funds until the account reaches maturity—or the date when the term ends.
Brokerage firms, commercial banks, credit unions, and most other financial institutions sell a selection of CDs that patrons can opt into. Some of the best banking apps available let you browse an institution’s inventory of CDs with your smartphone.
How Does a CD Work?
With a CD, a person deposits a certain amount of money into a time-locked account that’s offered by a financial institution. The institution will then borrow that money to make purchases or investments that will ideally generate more revenue. Since the bank is borrowing your money, they have to pay you interest that’s determined by your CD’s interest rate—often just called a CD rate for short.
If you’re still wondering, “How do CDs work?” here’s an example: Let’s say you put $1,000 toward a CD with a five-year term and an annual percentage yield (APY) of 3.14%. Once the account reaches maturity, you’ll earn $167.74 in interest.
What Are Add-On CDs?
Add-on CDs let people put more money toward a CD before it reaches maturity. You still can’t access the funds until the term ends, but you can increase the interest you’ll earn up to a certain amount.
CD vs. Savings Account
CDs and savings accounts meet two different needs. Savings accounts are solid ways to store funds for long periods. CDs, on the other hand, are investments to make money in the future. Savings accounts, especially high-yield savings accounts, can also generate revenue based on the total funds within the account. CDs, however, can yield revenue based on one initial deposit.
Patrons typically can’t add more money to a CD or access their funds until a specified date. Savings accounts normally let people access funds whenever they need to, as long as they don’t drop below a threshold outlined in your account agreement.
Are CDs Safe?
CDs are one of the safer, lower-risk investment options for several reasons. If you’re wondering whether CDs are FDIC insured, don’t worry—the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) will offer up to $250,000 against losses. CDs are also exclusively offered by financial institutions that must abide by government regulations.
Stocks are a higher-risk investment option than CDs with potentially higher returns. However, stocks don’t normally have government backing, and businesses can use their investors’ funds on ventures that may result in a substantial loss of capital.
Where Can I Get a CD?
You can find CDs at traditional brick-and-mortar banks as well as online. Capital One made headlines in February 2023 for becoming the first major financial institution to offer a CD with an APY of 5%. Capital One CD rates are competitive, but other institutions might have more attractive short-term CDs. A financial advisor can leverage their experience to help you find the best CDs for your circumstances.
Find High-Yield CD Rates With Credit.com
CDs can be potent investment vehicles once you learn how to make them work for you. Credit.com has resources to learn more about CDs, bonds, and other investment options. Learn more about personal finance at Credit.com today.