This article originally appeared on Mitlin Financial and has been republished here with permission.
Most people will read ” How To Make Your Money Work For You” from a financial advisor and think, “here we go, another blog about investing, 401K matching, and retirement planning.” Well, this piece has nothing to do with any of that at all.
Man in airport waiting for boarding on plane
Today, we’re going to talk about how to get your money to work for you just by what you’re spending everyday, anyway. The advice contained herein isn’t fancy or complex; it’s about getting the most out of the money you spend. There are so many perks available from so many retailers and you need to know how to benefit from them.
Grocery Store
One of the first places you can have your money go further is at the grocery store; many of the larger supermarket chains have no-cost loyalty programs. My older son recently learned that if he got a store reward card (no cost–you just provided your name and cell phone) for the supermarket that he uses through Instacart can save him money.
During a recent order, he saved $10 just for entering his loyalty number, as easy as that. The local supermarket I use gives us pennies off per gallon of gas (up to certain maximums) and given the size of my gas tank, this adds up to real money when it comes time to fill up the tank.
Related read: 5 Creative Ways Rewards Credit Cards Can Help Combat Rising Grocery Bills
Restaurants
This same philosophy also applies to many restaurants you visit. Scanning your customer number can result in perks from free food to an accumulation of points that can be used for free items as well. These rewards programs have become so popular that we are now seeing some of the old school fast food places implementing them too.
When it comes to food you can also take advantage of the holiday deals many high-end restaurants run. As an example, if your favorite restaurant has a buy $100 gift card, get $25 free; buy a gift card for you and your family and you just received a 25% perk. Nothing says the gift card has to be given away or given as a gift.
Credit Cards
Another great way to get your money to work for you are the perks associated with some credit cards; these perks offer so much I wrote a whole article about them, 5 Benefits of Credit Cards! If you pay the bill off each month and don’t carry a balance, credit cards can help your money work for you. Just be sure you have the right card and it provides you the benefits you want. The key is to make sure you are paying off the balance and not hindering your credit simply to get a few perks.
Travel
And then there’s travel…. One of the biggest things about this one is loyalty. Whether it’s a hotel chain or airline, frequenting the same company can generate rewards. In our case, though, at times, flights on our preferred airline were a bit more expensive. In the end, a first class travel photo of me was a perk from having status! It was a true testament to being recognized for our loyalty to their brand.
This article represents the opinion of Mitlin Financial Inc. It should not be construed as providing investment, legal and/or tax advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy ensures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor.
Delta Air Lines is implementing some major changes to its SkyMiles program. The airline is overhauling how members qualify for elite status. In making the changes, Delta will do away with requirements for Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) and Segments (MQSs). Instead, SkyMiles members will qualify for Medallion elite status solely through Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs).
Customers will be able to earn MQDs through spending on flights, rental cars and hotels booked through Delta Air Lines, along with everyday spending charged to co-branded Delta credit cards.
The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2024. Delta officials say the move is designed to simplify the program.
“One of the consistent pieces of feedback is to earn status can sometimes be complicated,” says Dwight James, Delta’s senior vice president for customer engagement and loyalty. He explained customer feedback also prompted Delta to add more rewards for loyalty beyond traditional air travel.
In conjunction with the SkyMiles overhaul, Delta plans to significantly restrict access to its Sky Club airport lounges, which have been plagued by overcrowding in recent years. And company officials told NerdWallet that more changes to its elite status benefits are on the way, too.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes.
How to earn elite status with Delta in 2024
In perhaps the most significant change, Delta will tie elite status qualification more closely — indeed, solely — to spending. Starting in 2024, MQDs will be the lone measurement for how members qualify for Medallion elite status.
How to earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars
Delta members will be able to earn MQDs through a variety of avenues:
Terms apply.
2024 Delta elite status requirements
Since MQDs are the only metric for reaching Medallion elite status, Delta will roll out new benchmarks.
Members will qualify for 2025 elite status upon reaching the following benchmarks in 2024:
Silver Medallion: 6,000 MQDs.
Gold Medallion: 12,000 MQDs.
Platinum Medallion: 18,000 MQDs.
Diamond Medallion: 35,000 MQDs.
What happens to MQMs?
Since MQMs will be going away, SkyMiles members with rollover MQMs from 2023 will have a one-time choice to convert their MQMs into redeemable miles, MQDs or a combination of both.
Million Miler Status changes
Delta is also making some changes for Million Miler Status members. Starting next year, Million Miler members will be in the number three priority position for complimentary upgrades. That means they will now get selected for upgrades over Delta SkyMiles Reserve credit cardholders and Delta corporate travelers.
Any MQMs earned toward the status will remain, and going forward, all flight miles earned will be added to customers’ Million Miler balance.
2024 Delta Sky Club access changes
Delta has tweaked its Sky Club access policies next year in an effort to stem overcrowding — an issue the company has worked to address for years.
“Visit growth has outpaced seat growth,” James acknowledged, noting Delta’s hope to preserve the “elevated experience,” especially for Delta’s most premium customers.
Credit card or group
Sky Club access changes
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card members
Cardholders will receive 10 visits per program year.
Members can earn unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year. Once earned, unlimited visits will last through Jan. 31 of the following year.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card members
Cardholders no longer receive access to Sky Club.
The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express members
Starting Feb. 1, 2025, members will receive six visits per program year.
Members can earn unlimited access after spending $75,000 in a program year. Unlimited access remains through Jan. 31 of the following year. Spend tracking begins Jan. 1, 2024.
Travelers with a basic economy ticket
No Sky Club access.
What these changes mean for Delta flyers
Delta’s changes for next year represent a major overhaul for the SkyMiles program. In tying elite status qualification more closely to spending, Delta’s changes have some resemblance to American Airlines’ shift to Loyalty Points for its AAdvantage program. In theory, you could now reach Medallion status while flying sparingly.
Delta says the changes are a way to appeal to a higher number of members while continuing to emphasize its premium customers and rewarding other travel engagement with the company, which James notes is up 50% since 2018.
“This program is something that we think we have built very uniquely for all levels of membership, whether you’re a new member or Medallion,” he says.
The people affected perhaps the most negatively by the changes are the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card members, who will lose Sky Club access as part of the company’s ongoing effort to reduce overcrowding.
Meanwhile, what elite status tiers will look like in the future may change a bit, too. Company officials say they’ll announce additional and revamped elite status benefits at a later date.
(Top photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)
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:
Almost 120 million Americans pay with plastic for the perks.
More than a third (47%) of American adults say they’ve used a credit card solely to rack up rewards points, according to the latest Chasing Points study from Finder, an annual study of roughly 1,800 American adults about their credit card spending habits. That’s about 119.8 million of rewards cardholders, up 38% from the 2019 survey’s 87.1 million who admitted to the same.
Even though more adults are swiping their credit card for the points than last year, they’re spending less on average. Our study found that Americans cardholders charged an average of $1,179.36 each to take advantage of loyalty programs associated with their rewards cards, a decrease of -35% from an average of $1,814.75 last year.
However, while more people than last year appear to be pulling out plastic in the hunt for rewards, the total amount they’re spending is on the way down. Americans spent $141 billion on their credit cards for rewards, which is roughly 11% less than the $158 billion spent in the previous year, the second year in a row of a decrease in rewards spending.
What Were People Buying?
Finder’s study found that of the nearly $1,179.36 spent by American cardholders looking to earn points on their purchases, they spent the most on groceries on average ($505.01), followed by dining out ($139.48). Flights ($118.99) and hotels ($90.31) come in next, showing that American cardholders are looking for an escape despite COVID-19 restrictions.
Responses
Amount Spent% of respondents
Total spend
Groceries
$505.01
$60.5 billion
Dining out
$139.48
$16.7 billion
Flight
$118.99
$14.3 billion
Hotels
$90.31
$10.8 billion
Household items
$86.13
$10.3 billion
TV / computer purchases
$78.86
$9.4 billion
Other
$67.83
$8.1 billion
Shoes
$44.75
$5.4 billion
Cosmetics and fragrances
$27.22
$3.3 billion
Literature
$11.15
$1.3 billion
Music
$9.63
$1.2 billion
Let’s break it down
Gender
Of our respondents, men both spent more and are more likely to buy with a credit card just for the rewards. Some 51% of men say they’ve paid with plastic for points, and they’re spending an average of $1,291.88 a year on their cards, compared with 43% of women who charge at an average of $1,059.66 a year.
In 9 of 11 spending categories, men are more likely than women to spend money to get points. Women are slightly more likely than men to spend money on groceries and cosmetics/fragrances.
Responses
Men
Women
Groceries
$488.90
$522.16
Dining out
$164.09
$113.29
Flight
$157.63
$77.89
Hotels
$108.39
$71.07
Household items
$88.66
$83.44
TV / computer purchases
$106.56
$49.38
Other
$77.79
$57.23
Shoes
$50.21
$38.95
Cosmetics and fragrances
$22.74
$31.98
Literature
$13.20
$8.97
Music
$13.70
$5.30
Total
$1,291.88
$1,059.66
Generation
We all gotta eat. And across generations, groceries are the top purchase for credit card points hunters. It’s also the category in which all generations spend the most.
Generation
% that said they made a credit card purchase for points
Average spend
What they’re most likely to buy
Gen Z
47.57%
$479.89
Groceries
Millennial
49.15%
$990.95
Groceries
Gen X
51.18%
$1,170.49
Groceries
Baby Boomers
41.09%
$1,473.46
Groceries
Silent Gen
45.71%
$1,683.58
Groceries
The generation most committed to racking up loyalty points? Gen X, with 51.18% admitting to using a credit card for points, followed by millennials (49.15%) and Gen Z (47.57%).
However, baby boomers spend the most on average on rewards cards across the board, averaging $1,473.46 per person, followed by the silent gen ($1,683.58) and Gen X ($1,170.49).
Household Income
It may not shock you that the more money people have, the more likely they are to spend money on their credit cards to score loyalty rewards. 63.25% of cardholders who earn more than $120,000 say they made a credit card purchase for points, compared to only 31.81% of those making less than $20,000. However, although adults earning $120,000 or over were mostly likely to spend, cardholders with an annual income of $80,000 to $99,999 spent the most on average at $1,583.63.
Household income
% that said they made a credit card purchase for points
Average spend
Less than $20,000
31.81%
$679.14
$20,000 to $39,999
40.47%
$870.53
$40,000 to $59,999
51.13%
$1,326.52
$60,000 to $79,999
58.80%
$1,487.66
$80,000 to $99,999
53.02%
$1,583.63
$100,000 to $119,999
63.16%
$1,272.49
$120,000 or over
63.25%
$1,382.92
Are Rewards Programs Worth It?
Rewards cards can offer incredible perks. But whether they’re the right choice depends on your financial needs, spending habits and goals. Weigh the pros and cons of your rewards card, and map out how much you need to spend to reap the biggest rewards.
When looking for a card, caarefully read any limits and restrictions on how you can redeem points, and look for eligibility on bonus points at signup. The potential for travel perks, cash back and bonus points could cause you to spend more than normal, potentially resulting in high fees and interest on those purchases.
COVID-19 has changed the way many people have used their credit cards in the past year. As a result, many providers have updated their rewards structure to reflect what people are spending most on during the pandemic (such as more rewards for spending on streaming services and less for travel).
Our data is based on an online survey of 1,790 US adults born between 1928 to 2002 commissioned by Finder and conducted by Pureprofile in September 2020. Participants were paid volunteers.
We assume the participants in our survey represent the US population of 254.7 million Americans who are at least 18 years old according to the July 2019 US Census Bureau estimate. This assumption was made at the 95% confidence level with a 2.32% margin of error.
The survey asked respondents whether they have spent on a credit card because of the rewards program and, if so, how much have they spent in the past 12 months.
We define generations by birth year according to the Pew Research Center’s generational guidelines:
Aer Lingus is the flag carrier of Ireland. The airline goes back to 1936 when the carrier was called Aer Lingus Teoranta.
When you participate in the AerClub, the loyalty program of Aer Lingus, you earn Avios that are redeemable for award flights on Aer Lingus, as well as its partners British Airways and Iberia. You can even transfer Avios between these programs for free.
Here’s your guide to Aer Lingus and its frequent-flyer program.
About Aer Lingus
Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Aer Lingus flies to nearly 100 destinations in 23 countries, including the United States.
Combined with its partners, you’ll be able to fly to about 150 destinations. The airline operates under three brands: Aer Lingus, Aer Lingus UK and Aer Lingus Regional.
Aer Lingus operates direct flights from Dublin and Shannon airports, as well as from Manchester, England, to the following U.S. cities.
From Dublin
Cleveland.
Hartford, Connecticut.
Los Angeles.
Newark, New Jersey.
Orlando, Florida.
Philadelphia.
San Francisco.
Washington.
From Shannon
From Manchester
Aer Lingus fare classes
When booking transatlantic Aer Lingus flights, you’ll have a choice of several fare classes: Saver, Smart, Flex, Business and Business Flex. The higher the fare you purchase, the more extras will be included.
Each fare type includes the following items:
Saver
Carry-on bag (22 pounds/10 kilograms).
Small personal carry-on item.
Complimentary meal.
Smart
No change fees.
Checked bag (one 50 pounds/23 kilograms bag in economy or three 50 pounds/23 kilograms bags in business class).
Advance seat selection.
Eligible for a credit voucher.
Flex
Eligible for a cash refund (minus the fees).
Business
Dedicated check-in line.
Airport lounge access.
Lie-flat seats.
Complimentary Wi-Fi (on Airbus A330 and Airbus A321neo Aer Lingus aircraft).
Luxury dining.
Standby for earlier flight.
Fast Track through security at Dublin Airport.
Refundable fare (minus 15% and fees).
Business Flex
Fully refundable fare.
Aer Lingus business class aircraft
Aer Lingus operates three types of planes on its transatlantic routes: Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A321neo LR.
Aer Lingus A321neo business class
Just 16 lie-flat beds are available in business class on the Aer Lingus Airbus A321neo plane. The seats are arranged in 2-2 and 1-1 configurations in a single-aisle cabin.
Aer Lingus A330-200 business class
Aer Lingus doesn’t operate a ton of routes with an Airbus A330-200, but it’s still possible you might fly this aircraft between Ireland and the United States, especially on routes from Dublin to either Los Angeles or San Francisco.
This business-class cabin features 23 seats arranged in a 1-2-2 or 1-2-1 configuration. The seats are 22 inches wide and provide 58 inches of pitch.
Aer Lingus A330-300 business class
The largest aircraft in the fleet, Airbus A330-300 more commonly operates Aer Lingus flights to and from the United States. The seats are the same size as its A330-200 counterpart, but because it’s larger, you’ll find 30 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 or 1-2-2 configuration.
How to earn Aer Lingus Avios
Aer Lingus AerClub members earn Avios, the same currency shared by British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Vueling Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
Earn by flying
You can earn AerClub Avios by flying Aer Lingus and its partners, such as British Airways and United Airlines.
On Aer Lingus flights, the number of Avios you’ll earn is based on how much you spend on the ticket and the currency you used to pay for the flight:
3 Avios per 1 euro.
4 Avios per 1 British pound.
3 Avios per U.S. dollar.
2 Avios per Canadian dollar.
If you fly British Airways or United, you’ll earn Avios based on the purchased fare class and the percentage of the distance flown.
Earn by spending on credit cards
Chase issues the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card. It earns 3 Avios per dollar spent on Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and LEVEL; 2 Avios per dollar spent on hotel accommodations purchased directly from hotels; and 1 Avios per dollar spent on all other purchases.
The current sign-up bonus is: Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Earn by transferring points
AerClub is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Points transfer at a ratio of 1:1 in both cases.
If you have Marriott Bonvoy points, you can transfer them to AerClub at a ratio of 3:1, with a bonus of 5,000 Avios for every 60,000 Marriott points converted at once.
Transfer Avios from partners
Use avios.com to transfer Avios from either British Airlines or Iberia to Aer Lingus. If you need to transfer Avios from Qatar, use British Airways as an intermediary first and then follow the next step to transfer them to Aer Lingus.
What are Aer Lingus Avios worth?
NerdWallet values British Airways Avios to be worth 0.8 cent each. Because Avios can be transferred from British Airways to Aer Lingus, we’ll say that they’re worth the same. Keep this in mind and use it as a target value when redeeming AerClub Avios for flights.
How to redeem Aer Lingus Avios for maximum value
You can redeem Aer Lingus Avios for awards on Aer Lingus, British Airways and Iberia only, so you don’t have many options to maximize the value. However, you still can get a decent deal redeeming Avios for award flights.
To redeem AerClub Avios, you have to log in on avios.com with your Aer Lingus credentials. The redemption rates depend on the distance you fly, the season and the class of service.
U.S. East Coast to Ireland on off-peak dates
One of the best Avios redemptions through Aer Lingus is for award flights between the East Coast of the United States and Ireland during off-peak season. The one-way mileage rate is just 13,000 Avios in economy class and 50,000 Avios in business class. You’ll pay $116 to $138 in taxes, but it’s still a great deal.
Ireland routes in the East Coast travel zone include:
Cleveland.
Minneapolis.
Philadelphia.
Washington.
U.S. East Coast to Europe on off-peak dates
If Ireland isn’t your destination, you can connect to other European cities that Aer Lingus flies to for an additional 4,000 Avios. So, you’ll redeem 17,000 Avios for an Aer Lingus economy flight anywhere in Europe on off-peak dates.
U.S. West Coast to Ireland on off-peak dates
West Coast residents can take advantage of some great redemption rates on routes to and from Ireland. A one-way economy flight is going to cost you 16,250 Avios, and a business class flight will cost 62,500 Avios.
Ireland routes in the West Coast travel zone include:
Los Angeles.
San Francisco.
Aer Lingus AerClub, the elite status program
Status levels and benefits
Launched in 2016, AerClub is quite a newcomer to the airline loyalty program scene. It has four membership levels: Green, Silver, Platinum and Concierge. If you sign up for the AerClub program, you automatically become a Green member, so technically there are three elite tiers.
Depending on your elite level, benefits include priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, complimentary bags, complimentary upgrades, free Wi-Fi and waived change fees.
How to earn Aer Lingus elite status
Achieving elite status in the AerClub program requires earning Tier Credits, which are awarded based on your route and fare type. The more Tier Credits you earn within a qualification period, the more you progress in the elite levels. Keep in mind that only Aer Lingus ticketed and operated flights earn Tier Credits.
The qualification period is based on when you join AerClub, so make sure to remember the date you signed up as a member. The Tier Credits reset to zero annually on your anniversary date.
European flights earn a different number of Tier Credits than transatlantic flights ticketed and operated by Aer Lingus.
Here’s how many Tier Credits you’ll earn on flights within Europe:
And here’s how many Tier Credits you’ll earn on transatlantic flights:
Keep in mind that the earning rates will change for travel after Oct. 1, 2023.
Aer Lingus AerClub recapped
As a relatively new airline loyalty program, AerClub still has a long way to go. Members can redeem Aer Lingus Avios for award flights on Aer Lingus or its partners. The option to transfer Avios to British Airways, Iberia and Qatar also greatly expands their use.
(Top photo courtesy of Aer Lingus)
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:
Although best known for being one of the largest airlines in the world, American Airlines also boasts one of the oldest airline mileage programs ever created.
The AAdvantage program has changed significantly since being launched in 1981. However, it remains one of the most rewarding mileage programs around.
Curious about the best way to use your AA miles? Let’s first recap how the American Airlines mileage program works and then highlight some of the best uses of AA miles.
Basics of American Airlines AAdvantage miles
American Airlines stands out from its competition in still publishing some sort of award mileage chart.
For award flights on American Airlines, the airline now only lists a starting price with no upper bound on just how high the award price could go.
However, American Airlines publishes a fixed award chart for award flights on partners. Award rates vary based on the region you’re departing from, the region you’re flying to, the class of service you’re booking and sometimes even the partner you’re flying on.
Flight distance doesn’t play a factor in award pricing.
Unlike Delta SkyMiles and — to a lesser extent — United MileagePlus, American Airlines awards aren’t as closely tied to the cash price of a flight. That means you can still find outsized value on American Airlines flights.
However, due to its predictable pricing, partner award flights are generally the best use of American Airlines miles. Let’s take a look at some of the best uses of your AA miles.
Best American Airlines Sweet Spots
1. Domestic American Airlines awards from 6,000 miles
The American Airlines award chart now shows one-way domestic awards starting at 7,500 miles in economy or 15,000 miles in business class. However, in practice, American Airlines still prices domestic economy awards as cheap as 6,000 miles each way.
And these bargain-basement rates aren’t just limited to short flights. For example, you can fly from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, across the country to Burbank, California for just 6,000 miles.
If you booked the same flight using cash, you’d need to pay $295 for a standard economy flight — the most comparable cash fare to award tickets. That means you’re getting almost 5 cents per mile from this mileage redemption. That’s more than three times NerdWallet’s valuation of 1.5 cents per AAdvantage mile.
2. American Airlines awards to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America
American Airlines awards to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America now start at just 10,000 AAdvantage miles each way in economy or 20,000 miles in business class. That’s an excellent price for flights that can cost hundreds of dollars.
These award rates aren’t available during peak travel times. However, travelers with a flexible travel schedule may find pretty widespread pricing at this rate.
3. Off-peak and low-season awards to Europe
American Airlines no longer publishes an off-peak award chart for its own flights. However, you can still book off-peak awards to Europe on partners for 22,500 miles each way.
Even better, you can currently book awards on American Airlines between the U.S. and Europe for 42,000 miles round-trip. Note that you’ll need to book a round-trip to get this rate. American Airlines charges 25,000 miles each way if you book two one-way flights.
4. Award flights to Morocco — or beyond into Europe
If you used American Airlines’ award chart as a reference, you might fail a geography test. That’s because American Airlines treats Morocco as a part of Europe. That’s a good thing for travelers as it means you can fly to Morocco for as few as 22,500 miles in economy or 57,500 miles in business class.
Comparatively, awards to Africa cost 40,000 miles in economy or 75,000 miles in business class. Unfortunately, that’s the price you’ll get stuck paying if you connect onward from Casablanca into other parts of Africa — even on a short onward flight to Tunis, Tunisia.
Treating Morocco as part of Europe means that you can also connect through Casablanca on the way to “other” European destinations for no additional mileage cost. This gives American Airlines travelers another way to fly across the Atlantic without paying high taxes and fees on British Airways.
5. Qatar Qsuite to the Maldives or other parts of the Indian Subcontinent
Qatar Qsuite is widely regarded as one of the best business class products in the world. And one of the least-expensive ways to experience it for yourself is by booking with American Airlines miles.
Nonstop flights from the U.S. to Doha, Qatar cost 40,000 miles in economy or 70,000 miles in Qatar Qsuite business class. Even better, you can connect onward to destinations throughout the Middle East or Indian Subcontinent for no additional miles.
You can stretch this award price to its limits by flying to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka or even the Maldives.
6. Flying Japan Airlines to Japan or Korea
Lastly, we would be remiss not to discuss American Airlines’ partnership with Japan Airlines. AAdvantage members can book travel on Japan Airlines between the U.S. and Japan at the following rates:
35,000 miles each way in economy.
50,000 miles each way in premium economy.
60,000 miles each way in business class.
80,000 miles each way in first class.
Japan Airlines provides a top-notch experience in all cabins, making any of these four options potentially a good deal. Business and first class especially stand out as amazing opportunities for using AA miles.
With that said, premium cabin award availability can be especially hard to find between the U.S. and Japan. On dates where there is any award availability, you’ll often find just one seat available.
Earning AAdvantage Miles
American Airlines offers dozens of ways to earn AAdvantage miles. At last count, we found 32 ways — including:
Flying on American Airlines or its partners.
Booking hotels through AAdvantage partners.
Spending on an AAdvantage credit card.
Shopping through the eShopping portal.
Earning through saving with Bask Bank, and so many more.
One of the biggest limitations of the American Airlines AAdvantage program is its lack of transfer partners.
Of the five major transfer point programs, American Airlines only partners with Marriott Bonvoy. You’ll get one AAdvantage mile for every three Marriott Bonvoy points transferred.
If you’re looking for the best use of AA miles
American Airlines offers a diverse range of ways to use AAdvantage miles for good value — from 6,000-mile domestic awards to flying some of the best business- and first-class products in the world for a reasonable mileage rate.
The best use of AA miles just depends on where you want to go.
(Top photo courtesy of American Airlines)
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:
Disney has a massive global footprint across its theme parks, films and merchandise. And it doesn’t stop there. Among its many offerings is the Disney Cruise Line, whose fleet of five ships sails all over the world.
Family-friendly but with adults-only areas, Disney cruises offer some of the most comprehensive cruise options around. Let’s break down everything there is to know about the Disney Cruise Line, including pricing, destinations and its loyalty program.
About Disney Cruise Line cruises
You can always expect some magic from Disney, and there is no exception when sailing on Disney Cruise Line. Although its fleet is small, it offers a high-end, family-friendly experience for guests. Here’s a quick overview of Disney Cruise Line’s key features.
Cabin types: Disney Cruise Line offers all the usual cabin types, including inside, oceanview, verandah and concierge-level rooms. Disney Cruise Line’s cabins are larger than average and designed for families, with split bathrooms and privacy curtains. Their largest rooms can accommodate up to seven guests.
Main U.S. routes: Disney has several departure points from within the United States, including options from San Diego, New York City, Miami, and Galveston, Texas. However, its most frequent departures are fromPort Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida, to the Bahamas and the Caribbean or from Vancouver, British Columbia to Alaska.
Loyalty program: Disney Cruise Line offers the Castaway Club to repeat guests. It has four membership levels — Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl. The first level is earned by completing a single cruise.
Disney Cruise Line destinations
Although Disney currently operates only five ships, the cruise line still manages to cover most of the world. Here are the locations you can currently sail on a Disney cruise:
Disney cruise destinations
Australia.
Caribbean.
New Zealand.
Pacific Coast.
Panama Canal.
South Pacific.
Transatlantic.
Cruises are available in a variety of lengths, from three nights up to 15 nights.
Disney Cruise Line prices
Disney cruises tend to be more expensive than the average cruise. Currently, for example, the cheapest cruise departing from Port Canaveral is a three-night trip to the Bahamas, which costs $1,958 for two guests.
And you’ll pay more to take a “special occasion” Disney cruise. The same three-night Bahamas cruise sailing during Disney’s Silver Anniversary at Sea starts at $2,345 for two guests.
When it comes to timing, standard logic applies. The high season will cost more, especially during holidays and the summer break.
The cheapest rate we found — the previously-mentioned $1,958 — is for a cruise in late January, a time when those with school-aged children might have trouble getting away. Meanwhile, the most expensive period for this cruise takes place over the Christmas holiday and rings in at $3,737 for an inside stateroom.
For all destinations, if you’d like to save money, avoid peak periods and search all available dates to find the lowest rates. This is true even on less popular cruises, such as those sailing up to Alaska.
The cheapest cost for two guests to Alaska from Vancouver is $2,983 in mid-September, while the same cruise will cost you $4,607 if you sail over the Fourth of July holiday.
🤓Nerdy Tip
One-way positioning cruises — that is, those that end in a different location from where they started — are often much cheaper per night than standard round-trip cruises.
What’s included
Disney cruises are more inclusive than most cruises. You don’t, for example, need to pay extra for soft drinks on a Disney cruise like you would on Norwegian Cruise Line. You’re also entitled to complimentary room service 24/7, unlike on Virgin Voyages, where you’ll be charged a $5 fee for each delivery.
Here are more inclusions you can expect.
Live, high-quality entertainment.
Large staterooms (designed for parties of up to three guests).
Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (on most Bahamas and Caribbean cruises).
Upscale restaurants, quick-service dining, poolside snacks and room service.
Adults-only lounges and pool areas.
Waterslides (on some ships).
Disney Cruise Line loyalty program: Castaway Club
Disney isn’t known for its loyalty programs. For example, there is no frequent traveler program associated with staying at one of its resorts or frequenting its parks. However, Disney Cruise Line rewards repeat customers with various benefits, including a complimentary specialty dinner, free photo downloads and an exclusive terminal check-in area.
Castaway Club levels
The Castaway Club levels are Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl.
Silver
How to earn: Sail on one cruise.
Best benefits: Book cruises one day before the general public, online activity planning 90 days before sailing, check in 33 days early, exclusive terminal check-in.
Gold
How to earn: Sail on five to nine cruises.
Best benefits: Book cruises two days before the general public, online activity planning 105 days before sailing, check in 35 days early, onboard reception, special discounts.
Platinum
How to earn: Sail on 10 to 24 cruises.
Best benefits: Book cruises three days before the general public, online activity planning 120 days before sailing, check in 38 days early, complimentary specialty dinner.
Pearl
How to earn: Sail on 25+ cruises.
Best benefits: Book cruises four days before the general public, online activity planning 123 days before sailing, check in 40 days early, complimentary unlimited digital photo package.
What is the best Disney Cruise Line ship?
The Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship and certainly its best. It just launched in the summer of 2022. Among its many amenities, guests can find the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. It’s a 760-foot water slide filled with show scenes, lighting, music and more that touches down into a lazy river.
The Disney Wish also has dedicated areas themed for “Frozen,” the Marvel Universe and “Star Wars.”
In addition, the Disney Wish has all the regular amenities you’d expect on a Disney cruise, including live entertainment, pools and spacious staterooms.
Frequently asked questions
Does Disney Cruise Line have free Wi-Fi?
Disney Cruise Line does not offer free Wi-Fi. Instead, it has three levels of packages from which to choose:
Stay Connected: $10 per day for the entire cruise or $12 per day for a 24-hour period.
Basic Surf: $20 per day for the entire cruise or $24 per day for a 24-hour period.
Premium Surf: $30 per day for the entire cruise or $36 per day for a 24-hour period.
These packages are available on the Disney Wish, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. The Disney Wonder still operates on the old data-usage Wi-Fi packages.
Is Disney Cruise Line all-inclusive?
Most of your daily expenses, including your food and non-alcoholic beverages, are included when sailing on a Disney cruise. However, if you’d like specialty drinks or alcohol, you’ll need to pay extra. Gratuities are not included, and Disney Cruise Line’s recommended tip is a minimum of $14.50 per guest, per night.
How much is the Disney Cruise Line drink package?
Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer the standard drink package other cruise lines offer. Drink packages allow you to pay a flat-rate price and drink as much alcohol as you’d like.
Instead, you’ll either pay per drink or purchase bundled quantities onboard. It’s also possible to purchase a specialty beer mug at the pub onboard, which can then be refilled across the ship. Much like Disney’s popcorn buckets, your beer mugs entitle you to cheaper refills on all your beer.
Does Disney Cruise Line require COVID-19 vaccine or test?
In the past, Disney Cruise Line required that you be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 before sailing, but this is no longer the case. Guests departing from the United States are not required to do either, though the cruise line highly encourages you to get vaccinated before sailing.
(Top photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)
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:
Finnair, the Oneworld alliance airline based in Helsinki, will switch its loyalty currency from Finnair Plus award points to Avios early next year.
As part of the changes, Finnair will also tie award prices more closely to the cost of ticket prices, meaning more expensive flights will likely cost more Avios. Spend-based rewards are becoming increasingly common in loyalty programs.
Finnair is also adding award space, particularly on long-haul international flights. This evolution of Finnair Plus, the airline’s loyalty program, should make it more useful to international travelers hoping to redeem credit card rewards, whether they’re headed to Finland, elsewhere in Europe or another part of the world.
What will happen to Finnair Plus Award points?
Once the changes go live in the first few months of 2024, Finnair Plus award points will convert to Avios at a rate of 3:2. So, if you had 90,000 points in your Finnair Plus account, you would get some 60,000 Avios.
NerdWallet values Avios at 0.8 cent per point when you redeem them for economy award flights on British Airways, but you can transfer Avios to any of the airline loyalty programs that use them.
Airlines that use Avios
Perhaps the biggest impact of Finnair’s shift to Avios for U.S. travelers is the ability to earn and redeem Avios on a wider range of international airlines.
Avios used to exclusively be the currency of International Airlines Group, the European conglomerate of British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and other carriers. But now, the points are used by a half-dozen carriers, including a handful of prominent Oneworld Alliance airlines.
Upon Finnair’s adoption of Avios, the currency will be used by the following carriers:
Aer Lingus (based in Dublin).
British Airways (based in London; Oneworld Alliance partner).
Finnair (based in Helsinki; Oneworld Alliance partner).
Iberia (based in Madrid; Oneworld Alliance partner).
Qatar Airways (based in Doha, Qatar; Oneworld Alliance partner).
Vueling (low-cost carrier based in Barcelona, Spain).
Customers can seamlessly transfer Avios between loyalty programs that use the currency. And, though Avios are exclusively used by overseas airlines, there are some redemption sweet spots in the U.S.
Increased award availability on Finnair
The airline also plans to increase the number of award seats available on a flight, providing customers with more space to redeem Avios for a trip to Europe or within the continent. It will guarantee at least four seats bookable on points for flights within Europe, and at least eight on long-haul flights.
Finnair flies nonstop to Helsinki from a handful of U.S. airports including Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Diego and Seattle.
Avios is becoming even more flexible
Finnair’s upcoming shift to Avios is just the latest example of an international airline adopting the loyalty currency.
For U.S. customers considering converting credit card rewards into Avios, the currency will now be usable on a longer — and growing — list of international carriers in Europe and beyond.
(Top photo courtesy of Finnair)
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:
Silversea is a leader in the luxury, small-ship cruising market. These cruises typically appeal to the high-end traveler looking for personalized service, upscale dining and accommodations, access to smaller ports and a top-notch vacation experience.
If you’re in the market for a high-end cruise vacation, here’s everything you need to know about Silversea.
About Silversea
You won’t find waterslides, kids clubs or roller coasters on a Silversea cruise.
Instead, expect an elevated experience designed for those looking for a relaxing yet entertaining sailing. Here are a few key features of Silversea cruises:
Accommodations
Every one of Silversea’s cabins has an ocean view, and they’re all designated as suites with a high space-to-guest ratio. For guests’ needs throughout the cruise, butler service is available in every room.
Some suites are more luxurious — smaller suites only have windows overlooking the ocean, while classic veranda suites and many others come with a balcony.
Some room categories, such as the ultra-luxurious Otium Suite, are exclusive to Silversea’s newest ship, Silver Nova. Others are found across the fleet, although accommodations on board each vessel may differ slightly.
All-inclusive sailings
Many cruise lines charge their passengers a base fare for the trip, allowing them to choose various add-ons — such as beverages, specialty restaurants, internet access and port excursions — for an additional cost.
Silversea does away with this. It advertises an all-inclusive cruise package, which includes everything from shore excursions and alcoholic drinks to butler service and gratuities.
Primary U.S. ports
Silversea ships span the globe, but travelers that don’t want to venture too far from home will find many cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Trips also depart from New York City for destinations in Canada.
Those wishing to depart from the West Coast can set sail from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Ships from these ports travel to the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and other far-flung destinations.
Where does Silversea sail?
Silversea’s destination map is extensive, with over 900 ports on all seven continents. Sailings are at least six days long, but trips can last several weeks to a month or more.
For those with the time and the money, Silversea offers World Cruises that travel from continent to continent in a global adventure that can take as many as 140 days.
How much does a Silversea cruise cost?
Silversea sailings are no discount venture, but the all-inclusive nature of each cruise adds value.
Meals, drinks, entertainment and onboard special events are all part of the price. The rates vary based on demand, destination and time of year.
There are two types of prices: “door-to-door,” which includes airport transfers and airfare, or “port-to-port,” which is the cruise fare without any transportation to or from the port.
Rates can vary from as low as $2,800 for a seven-day trip from Colombia to Florida to $94,700 for a 125-day expedition cruise from Chile to Norway.
Silversea also offers special fares for single travelers on select excursions, which provides a discount instead of paying the full cost of a double-occupancy cabin.
What is the best Silversea ship?
There are 13 ships in the Silversea fleet — with more scheduled for delivery in the coming years — ranging in size from 51 to 364 cabins. The best ship, however, will depend on the type of sailing you want.
The smallest ships are typically expedition ships that sail itineraries like the Galapagos or Antarctica. For example, the 100-passenger Silver Origin was Silversea’s first purpose-built destination ship, built explicitly for cruising in the Galapagos. It is also the most environmentally-friendly ship built by Silversea.
Another small ship is the Silver Explorer, with a capacity for 144 guests and a strengthened hull to sail in Antarctica and the Arctic safely.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have larger ships such as Silver Spirit, which was renovated in 2018. With space for 608 passengers, it spends much of its time sailing around Europe, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
Ships like Silver Spirit look more like cruise ships, with amenities that include larger pools, lounges and plentiful dining options. Expedition ships are smaller by nature and therefore have fewer onboard facilities.
The best Silversea ship depends on the type of traveler you are, the destinations you want to visit, and the amenities you desire.
What is the newest Silversea ship?
Silver Nova is Silversea’s newest ship, with plans to set sail later this summer. It will also be the largest ship in the Silversea fleet, with space for 728 passengers. Coming in 2024 is a second ship of the same size, the Silver Ray.
These ships feature a new asymmetrical design that gives their interiors a more spacious feel. Additionally, they’ll have the largest pools in the Silversea fleet, and every suite will have a balcony.
What’s included in a Silversea cruise
As mentioned above, Silversea advertises its cruises as all-inclusive, and compared to many cruise lines, this is pretty accurate. Here’s what’s included with all Silversea cruises:
24-hour butler service.
Complimentary beverages, including alcohol, around the ship and in minibars.
Gourmet meals, including room service and specialty restaurants.
Gratuities.
Select shore excursions.
Wi-Fi access.
Onboard lectures and entertainment.
Passengers who opt for the door-to-door all-inclusive option will also receive the following:
Private transfers to and from their home airport.
Airfare to and from the port city, including international flights.
Transfers between the ship and the airport.
Overnight hotel stays in the port city on arrival or before returning home, if needed.
A few items are not included in the fare and will incur an additional cost:
Meals or accommodations while on shore.
Some shore excursions.
Reservation fees for select restaurants.
Laundry service.
Personal spa or beauty services.
Silversea loyalty program: Venetian Society
Unlike other cruise loyalty programs, Silversea’s program — the Venetian Society — does not award points. It doesn’t have elite status tiers, either. Instead, members earn “days” based on the length of each sailing. The more days they accrue, the more benefits they can receive.
Here’s what Venetian Society members can expect to receive based on the number of days accrued:
All members. By joining the program and completing your first sailing, you’re eligible for 5% savings on certain upcoming sailings. This can represent great value on expensive cruises, meaning signing up makes sense even if you only plan to sail occasionally.
100+ days. 5% savings on all future door-to-door sailings.
250+ days. 10% savings on all future door-to-door sailings.
350 days. Once you reach this level, you are eligible for one complimentary seven-day sailing.
500 days. Reaching this milestone means enjoying a complimentary 14-day trip.
500+ days. After this landmark, members will receive one complimentary seven-day trip for each additional 150 days they sail.
How to redeem Silversea days
The best part about the Venetian Society is that the benefits are cumulative. It’s not similar to a points program where once you redeem points, your balance gets lower until you earn more. With Venetian Society, you can take advantage of that perk once you hit the next milestone while enjoying previous bonuses.
For example, once you hit 350 days, you are eligible for a complimentary seven-day voyage. But, you can also take 10% off any door-to-door cruises — a perk you receive after reaching 250 days — you book after that.
Frequently asked questions
Does Silversea have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Like most of its onboard amenities, Silversea cruises include basic Wi-Fi free of charge. Those in upper suites will receive free premium Wi-Fi speeds, and other guests can pay for a faster speed package. The prices vary by sailing and ship.
Is Silversea all-inclusive?
Yes, everything is included in the “port-to-port” fare. Adding airfare and ground transfers is part of the “door-to-door” offering.
How much is the Silversea drink package?
Drinks are included in the all-inclusive fare, so no additional drink package is offered.
Does Silversea require a covid vaccine or test?
No, but some destinations may have their requirements. For example, there may be some destinations or embarkation points where unvaccinated travelers must provide a negative covid test, and vaccinated travelers would have to show proof of receiving the vaccine. All requirements and protocols are subject to change.
(Top photo courtesy of Silversea)
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:
With tight schedules, erratic weather and crew shortages, it seems like flights get delayed more than ever these days. Flight delays are not only frustrating, but they can also impact connecting flights, event tickets and other aspects of your trip.
If you’re flying on JetBlue Airways, it helps to understand the JetBlue flight delay compensation rules to protect your rights.
8 things to know about JetBlue flight delay compensation
Whether or not JetBlue will compensate you for a delayed flight depends on several factors, including where you’re flying to or from, how long the delay is and why the flight was delayed.
1. There is no Passenger Bill of Rights in the U.S.
The U.S. has yet to adopt a universal Passenger Bill of Rights. However, the Department of Transportation tracks what each airline offers and makes that information available on its cancellation and delay dashboard. This helps to inform passengers of airline policies and holds the airlines accountable.
2. You may not be entitled to anything
Although there is a JetBlue delayed flight compensation schedule, it doesn’t apply to all situations.
The airline does not offer compensation for weather and other uncontrollable events. Additionally, if your flight delay is relatively short, you won’t receive any benefits.
3. You may receive flight credits for delays
This chart highlights the compensation passengers may receive when their flight is delayed by at least three hours. Any delay less than three hours will not qualify for a flight credit.
Delay time
Compensation amount
$50 credit.
$100 credit.
$150 credit.
6 hours or more
$200 credit.
4. JetBlue can offer multiple types of compensation
Flight delay compensation does not have to involve cash payment. JetBlue may offer other benefits in addition to, or instead of, cash. These benefits may include:
Future flight credits.
Tickets on another JetBlue flight.
Rebooking on another airline.
Meal vouchers.
Hotel accommodations.
When speaking with customer service about JetBlue delayed flight compensation, keep these options in mind. Consider asking for one or more types of compensation, depending on your situation and the length of the delay.
5. Delayed flights from the U.K./EU may get cash compensation
With its recent expansion to Europe, JetBlue compensation for delayed flights has other factors to consider. JetBlue now offers flights between the U.S. and the U.K., Paris and will soon add Amsterdam.
If your flight out of the U.K. or EU back to the U.S. is delayed, UK-261/EU-261 rules govern JetBlue flight delay compensation. This chart highlights your benefits on these flights when your arrival is delayed by three hours or longer.
Compensation
1,500 km or less
250 euros or 220 GBP.
1,501 – 3,500 km
400 euros or 350 GBP.
3,501 km or more
600 euros or 520 GBP.
All JetBlue routes from Europe back to the U.S.
6. Explore all options for reaching customer service
When your JetBlue flight is delayed, you may be asked to get in line to speak with a gate agent. While you can step in line, don’t let that be your only option.
Attempt to contact JetBlue customer service over the phone, on its mobile app or through social media. These avenues may be much quicker than waiting in line.
7. JetBlue could put you on another airline
Depending on flight availability, JetBlue may rebook you on another airline to get you to your final destination. JetBlue delayed flight compensation rules allow this.
If JetBlue switches your flight to another airline, ask JetBlue to add to your TrueBlue account the flight credits and points that you would have earned had your original flight operated on schedule.
8. Don’t forget about credit card travel protections
Many travel credit cards offer travel protections that cover passengers when flights are delayed or canceled. Although JetBlue has its own credit cards, those cards don’t offer these benefits.
Depending on which card you use to book your flight, you may be reimbursed for meals, hotels and other reasonable expenses. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® reimburses up to $500 per traveler when flights are delayed for six hours or longer or when a delay necessitates an overnight stay.
The bottom line about JetBlue flight delay compensation
When your flight doesn’t depart on time, take advantage of the JetBlue flight delay compensation rules.
Your compensation may vary depending on where you’re flying to, how long the delay is and the reason for the delay.
Don’t forget about possible credit card benefits. They can supplement compensation from JetBlue or take care of you if JetBlue policies don’t offer compensation.
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:
Do you want to learn how to get free clothes? There are many ways to get free clothes online and in-person, which means you can save money and have a new outfit. From online shopping to community groups and social media, there are many platforms where you can find free clothes for yourself and your…
Do you want to learn how to get free clothes?
There are many ways to get free clothes online and in-person, which means you can save money and have a new outfit.
From online shopping to community groups and social media, there are many platforms where you can find free clothes for yourself and your family. In this article, I will help you find free clothing both online and near you.
Whether you’re an expert bargain hunter or just learning the ropes, taking advantage of free outfits can be the key to sprucing up your wardrobe without spending a ton of money. Read on to learn more about how to get free clothes, discounts, and clever hacks to get free clothes while maintaining your budget.
Key Takeaways
Explore online platforms, like Facebook Buy Nothing groups, Craigslist, and Freecycle.org, for free clothing options.
Connect with friends and communities to organize clothing swaps.
Blogging or social media can lead to free clothing items and discounts.
How To Get Free Clothes
1. Facebook Buy Nothing Groups
If you’re looking for the easiest way to learn how to get free clothes, Facebook Buy Nothing groups can be one of the best options in your local area. These local groups on Facebook are part of the Buy Nothing Project, which aims to connect neighbors who are willing to give items away for free, including clothing.
I have given away many, many things in my Facebook Buy Nothing group, and I see lots of clothes given away all the time. You can find free clothes for women, men, children, and babies in your local Facebook Buy Nothing group.
To get started with Facebook Buy Nothing groups, simply search for a Buy Nothing group in your town or city. If you live in a large city, there might be multiple groups for different neighborhoods. Once you find the right group, send a request to join. You can start by searching “your city name Buy Nothing Group” as an example.
After you’ve been accepted into the group, you can start looking for free clothes. Keep an eye out for posts from group members offering clothing items they no longer need, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and state your interest in the items you like. When you find something you’d like to have, simply comment on the post to let the person know that you’re interested. The person may choose to gift the item to the first person who comments, or they might decide to draw names at random.
Another way you can learn how to get free clothes on Buy Nothing is by hosting a clothing round-robin. This is when people put together a box of clothes together that goes person to person. You can try items on in your home, take clothing you like, add to the box, and pass it along to the next person.
Facebook Marketplace may also have free clothing listed as well.
2. Look at Craigslist for free clothing
Craigslist has a free section on their website where you can find clothing and other items that people are giving away.
To get started, go to Craigslist.org and head to the free section of the website. Then type “clothes” or whatever specific article of clothing you are looking for in the Craigslist search bar.
Then when you find a free clothing listing that you like, simply click on the title or image to view more information about the offer and send an email to the person.
Note: For your safety, it is a good idea to meet the person in a public place and bring a friend along when you pick up the clothes.
3. Check Freecycle.org for clothing and shoes
Freecycle.org is a great resource for where to get free clothes online.
Freecycle is a nonprofit movement/website that allows members to give away and receive items for free in their local area. Freecycle is all about reducing waste and keeping items out of landfills.
To get started, create a free account on Freecycle.org and start looking at what is available in your area.
When you find something you like, simply respond to the listing, and the person will give you details on how to pick up the items.
For more content related to how to get free clothes, check out: 15 Awesome Ways To Get Free Stuff.
4. Organize a swap with friends to get free clothes
Setting up a clothing swap with friends and family is a fun way to refresh your wardrobe while also learning how to get free clothes.
Here are some steps to host a fun clothing swap:
Set a date and location – Choose a date and time that works for you and your friends. It’s a good idea to host the swap at your home or another comfortable space where everyone feels welcome. Make sure there is enough room for everyone to display and try on clothes.
Invite your friends – Create a guest list and send out invites. You can use social media, email, or text message to invite your friends. Make some ground rules for how the swap will work, and ask everyone to bring clean, gently used clothes that they no longer wear.
Prepare the space – Set up an area where friends can display their clothing items. This can be as simple as just using a dining room table or everyone sitting on the couch in the living room.
You can make it even more fun by asking everyone to bring snacks and food as well and make it more of a potluck.
I also recommend checking out the website Rehash. This is an online swap website where you can trade clothing with others online.
5. Birthday freebies
Many stores give you discounts or free stuff on your birthday when you sign up for their email lists or by joining customer loyalty programs.
These offers can be in the form of discounts, coupons, or even free items for a limited time.
Related: 31 Birthday Freebies You Should Sign Up For
6. Participate in sweepstakes and contests
If you want to learn how to get free clothes from companies, participating in sweepstakes and contests is a great option. Many stores and clothing brands have contests on their social media platforms, offering free clothing or clothing gift cards.
You can often find these by simply following your favorite stores and brands on social media – like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – to see when they hold a giveaway.
Another way to find sweepstakes and giveaways to enter is to search related hashtags on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Many times, sweepstakes and giveaways are tagged with these hashtags in order to grow even more and so that people can find them. I used to enter giveaways all the time, and this is exactly how I would find giveaways to enter. Some hashtags to find free online clothing giveaways include:
#sweepstakes
#giveaway
#clothinggiveaway
#contest
7. Find money-making apps that will pay you in clothing gift cards
If you’re looking to add some new clothing to your wardrobe without spending a lot of money, you can try using money-making apps that give you free gift cards or PayPal cash.
This may include taking surveys and shopping online, you can earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards to popular clothing stores. Here are some apps to consider using for free gift cards:
Swagbucks is a popular site that rewards you for completing tasks, such as watching videos, taking surveys, and shopping online. You can earn points and redeem them for gift cards from popular stores, like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Adidas, and Under Armour, where you can purchase clothing.
American Consumer Opinion is a popular survey website where you can get paid around $1 to $5 (longer surveys pay more than shorter ones) for each survey you answer.
Branded Surveys is an online survey company that pays around from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey that you answer. Like with all survey companies that I recommend, it is free to join.
Fetch Rewards is a grocery rewards app where you can redeem your points for clothing gift cards. You scan your receipts from grocery shopping and earn points that can be exchanged for gift cards at various clothing stores, like American Eagle, Gap, Lululemon, Old Navy, and more.
Upside is a cell phone app that gives you cash back for using the gas stations that are listed in their app. You simply sign up for a free account, and then look at the Upside app to find gas stations located near you. With Upside, you can make up to $0.25 per gallon cash back at gas stations. You can then redeem your earnings for cash to your bank account, but also for free gift cards to H&M, Nike, Target, Walmart, and more.
Ibotta is an app where you can unlock rebates and rewards, go shopping, verify your purchases, and then get cash.
By using these apps, you can earn gift cards to clothing stores without spending a dime.
Related: 16 Real Ways To Earn Free Gift Cards (Amazon, Target, Visa)
8. Redeem credit card rewards points to put towards free gift cards for clothes
You can benefit from using your credit card rewards points to score free gift cards for clothes!
Many credit card issuers offer reward programs, which give you points for every dollar you spend. By accumulating these points, you can redeem them for various rewards, including gift cards to your favorite clothing stores.
The way that rewards credit cards work is that every time you use your credit card, you can earn points for spending money. Yes, spending money just like how you normally spend money.
Two rewards credit cards that I personally like include:
Note: Using credit cards for their rewards is only wise if you are a responsible credit card user. You do not want to add debt to your life to earn credit card rewards, as debt that gains interest is not free or worth it! You need to make sure you’re paying your credit card balance in full each month for the gift card rewards to be worth it so that you are not taking on debt that you don’t need.
9. Start a clothing blog or social media account
Starting a clothing blog or social media account can be a fun way to get free clothes to promote. By building a following, clothing brands may want to partner with you and give you free clothing.
To begin, choose a platform where you want to focus your time, such as starting a fashion blog or setting up an Instagram account. For example, if you’re passionate about taking pictures, Instagram can be a perfect platform for this. If you want to focus on writing, then a blog may be better. If you prefer video, then starting a YouTube channel or TikTok may be for you.
Next, you’ll want to focus on growing your audience. You can grow your following by regularly posting high-quality content and replying to comments.
Once you are ready, you can start reaching out to clothing brands for possible partnerships by sending emails or social media messages, telling them that you are interested in promoting their products and discussing how the collaboration can benefit the both of you. You may be asked to share statistics about your blog or social media account, including your follower count and engagement rate to show that the partnership would be worthwhile.
In addition to receiving free clothing, partnering with clothing companies can lead to other benefits, such as promo codes for your readers or even earning referral income for any purchases from followers made through your affiliate links.
You can learn how to start a blog in my free How To Start a Blog Course.
Note: Please keep in mind that being a trustworthy blogger or social media influencer means always disclosing when a post is sponsored or when you receive a product for free. Adding disclaimers is also the law when using affiliate links or sharing sponsored posts.
10. Get a job at a clothing store
When I was younger, I worked at a clothing store. If we beat our monthly sales goals, we were given a percentage of that in a gift card to the store. This was a great way to get free clothing!
Now, not all clothing stores have this perk, but you may be able to ask around and see if others do.
Another perk of working at a clothing store is the employee discount that you can get. As an employee, you typically receive a good employee discount – sometimes up to 50% off. This could be a great way for you to save money on clothes while earning a paycheck.
11. Reach out to a local nonprofit or charitable group
Many nonprofits or charitable groups offer free clothing to those in need.
Shelters, religious organizations, and other groups often have clothing banks available. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these organizations if you find yourself needing how to get free clothes for everyday or work.
12. School donation programs
Some schools and universities host clothing donation programs, which can help students who may be struggling financially.
You can keep an eye out for these events to get free clothes for yourself or your children. Schools might even have partnerships with local retailers, providing designer clothing at no cost, along with essentials.
I recommend reaching out to your school and asking what options are available for you.
13. Local yard sales
Yard sales are a great place to find cheap or even free clothes. Some homeowners may be willing to part with clothes for very cheap or free, especially towards the end of the day when they are packing up and they want to get rid of the items that are remaining.
14. Pregnancy and baby sample boxes
If you are pregnant, then you can probably get a free baby box filled with items you’ll want and need.
You typically get a free baby box when you create a baby registry. These boxes are often filled with free baby samples, such as a baby onesie, baby bottles, diapers, pacifiers, and more.
I got both the Amazon baby box and the Babylist baby box when I was pregnant, and they were both great and free! I simply created a registry through both sites (which is something that I was already doing), and I received the free baby box once someone purchased something off my baby registry.
In each, there was one baby onesie. So it wasn’t a lot of free baby clothing, but it was fun to receive and there were lots of other free items in the box as well.
Related: Best Baby Gear – Guide For New Parents
15. Refer friends to your favorite stores
Referral programs are offered by many online clothing companies, and this may get you some free clothing.
When you refer a friend to the website, both you and your friend often receive a discount or credit towards your next purchase. You can share your unique referral link with friends and family, or promote it on social media to reach a larger audience.
Some online stores which have a referral program include Lulus, Poshmark, ThreadUP, Stitch Fix, Rent The Runway, and many more.
Make the most of online shopping to get money to put towards clothes
When shopping online, there are ways that you can save money. While these won’t lead you to getting entirely free clothing, these tips can make clothing more affordable.
Use coupons and promo codes –Always keep an eye out for coupons and promo codes before making a purchase to save money on clothes. Websites, like Honey, often have promo codes available for online stores. This way, you can save on your purchases and have more money to put towards new clothes. You can install the Honey browser extension, which automatically finds and applies available coupon codes and promo codes when you shop online. Then shop like normal and when you’re ready to checkout, Honey will instantly find and apply the best coupon codes directly to your shopping cart.
Cash-back sites –Using cash-back sites is another smart way to save money on your apparel purchases. Rakuten offers cash back (up to 40% cash back!) for shopping at many different online retailers (they have thousands of options). Simply browse the Rakuten website, find stores you normally shop at, and earn a percentage of cash back for every purchase.
Loyalty programs –Signing up for loyalty programs can be a great way to earn points or rewards that can be put towards new clothes. Many clothing stores offer rewards programs for their customers. As a member, you can earn points with each purchase that can be redeemed for discounts or even free clothing items.
Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops –Thrift stores can be a great source of free or inexpensive clothes. There are even online thrift stores, such as ThredUP and OfferUp.
Frequently asked questions about how to get free clothes
Below, I answer common questions about ways to get clothing for free.
Where can I find free clothing giveaways?
One way to find free clothes that are being given away is to search for online giveaways and contests. You can find these by going to giveaway websites, or searching hashtags on Twitter and Instagram, such as #giveaway and #clothinggiveaway.
There are many if you want to learn how to get free clothes, such as reaching out to nonprofit organizations, shelters, and churches in your local area. You can also check out websites, like Freecycle.org or Craigslist, for listings of free clothing resources in your community. Also, joining local Facebook Groups for clothing swaps or free items may help you find free clothes near you.
How can I receive free clothes delivered to my door?
By participating in referral programs, product testing programs, or signing up for clothing site rewards, you can potentially receive free clothes delivered to your door.
How to get free items from SHEIN?
There are a few ways to get free Shein clothes, and this is a very popular question about how to get free clothes!
There is a Shein Free Trial Center where you may be able to test out outfits for free. You will have to write a product review for the item you get for free with the Shein product testing program.
There are also Shein giveaways on social media all the time that you can enter as well.
How do I manage to have a great wardrobe on a tight budget?
To have a great wardrobe on a tight budget, you may want to focus on versatile and timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched. This may include shopping sales, clearance sections, and secondhand stores to find affordable clothing items. You can also swap clothes with friends or attend clothing swap events to save money.
How can I get a lot of clothes with little money?
You can get a lot of clothes with little money by shopping at thrift stores, discount stores, and clearance sales.
How do I get free athletic wear?
Many running shoes have a product testing program for athletes and runners, such as the Saucony product testing program, Reebok product testing program, New Balance tester community, and the Nike product testing program.
These companies will need your shoe size and some other information from you before they can send you anything. There will most likely be an in-depth questionnaire for you to answer after you try the shoes.
In some cases, you will not be able to keep the shoes, just so you know.
How To Get Free Clothes Online Without Paying – Summary
I hope you enjoyed today’s article on my best tips and tricks on how to get free clothing. As you can see, there are many ways to get started!
Whether you are looking for free t-shirts, jeans, shoes, work clothes, or something else, there is plenty of free apparel if you look around.
With Facebook Buy Nothing groups, Craigslist, and Freecycle.org, you can connect with like-minded individuals and exchange items without needing to pay. Also, connecting with friends, family, and online communities by organizing clothing swaps, working with money-making apps that offer gift cards, and blogging or engaging on social media can lead to free clothing items as well.
Remember, when you maximize your online shopping by using loyalty programs, cash-back apps, referral programs, and coupons, you’ll have more money to put towards new clothing items.
Do you know how to get free clothes? What’s your favorite way?