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At a glance
3.5
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
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Auto
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
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Cost & ratings
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4.0
Coverage
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
3.5
Support
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
3.5
Home
Rating: 3.1 stars out of 5
3.1
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Cost & ratings
Rating: 2.8 stars out of 5
2.8
Coverage
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4.0
Support
Rating: 2.3 stars out of 5
2.3
About Bankrate Score
Bottom Line
If you live in Erie’s 12-state service area, the company could be a great choice for robust coverage and affordable premiums. Erie’s digital tools are lacking compared to its competitors, though, so it may not be the best choice for tech-focused customers.
Affordable average premiums for both homeowners and car insurance policies compared to the national average
Strong customer satisfaction rankings from J.D. Power
Erie’s home insurance offers guaranteed replacement for dwelling coverage in most states
Erie auto and home insurance is only available in 12 states and Washington D.C.
No usage-based auto insurance program available
Only a few homeowners endorsements available
Avg. annual auto insurance premium for full coverage: $1,356
Avg. annual auto insurance premium for min coverage: $486
Avg. annual home insurance premium for $250k dwelling coverage: $957
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers
Info
What’s new with Erie?
In August 2022, Erie Insurance established Erie Strategic Ventures to help fund entrepreneurs who create innovative products and services for customers and Erie’s independent agents. The company also recently announced the addition of optional extended water coverage for homeowners policies.
Erie car insurance
Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance Group started in Pennsylvania but has since expanded to 12 states and Washington D.C. The company offers coverage options that may be difficult to find among its competitors. Its standard auto insurance policies feature a diminishing deductible, first accident forgiveness for eligible policyholders and Erie Rate Lock, depending on the state. Additional coverage options include roadside assistance, auto glass repair and personal item coverage.
Erie car insurance earned a Bankrate Score of 3.8 out of 5. This Score reflects the company’s coverage options, financial strength, customer satisfaction and available discounts. Erie lost points due to its regional availability and limited digital tools (for example, the mobile app doesn’t have a claims filing option). Erie earned an A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating and placed third in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
Pros and cons of Erie car insurance
Erie’s coverage options and customer satisfaction scores make it one of the best car insurance companies in states where it writes policies. Comparing pros and cons of Erie auto insurance may help you decide if the company could be a good fit for your needs.
PROS
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Roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement available
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Erie Rate Lock may help keep rates stable over time
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Auto policies include pet coverage
CONS
Close X
Available in just 12 states and the District of Columbia
Close X
No telematics or usage-based insurance program available
Close X
Mobile app does not enable policyholders to file a claim from their mobile devices
Erie car insurance cost
Erie is one of the cheapest car insurance companies based on our research of average premiums analyzed from Quadrant Information Services. Erie’s full coverage car insurance costs an average of $1,356 per year, while minimum coverage averages $486 per year.
Comparatively, the national average cost of car insurance for both coverage levels is higher, at $2,014 per year for full coverage and $622 per year for minimum coverage. Actual rates may vary based on car insurance rating factors, but the premium data below may be a useful comparison tool.
Erie car insurance rates by driving history
Bankrate bases the following average rates on data provided by Quadrant Information Services. This may not represent the price you will pay for car insurance. We do not include average rates for drivers with a history of driving under the influence (DUI) because some insurers may not write policies for motorists with a DUI conviction. If you have a DUI conviction, you may contact your insurance agent to find out how it could impact your car insurance premium.
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Erie average monthly full coverage premium
Erie average annual full coverage premium
National average annual full coverage premium
Clean driving history
$113
$1,356
$2,014
Speeding ticket conviction
$123
$1,476
$2,427
At-fault accident
$134
$1,607
$2,854
Erie average monthly minimum coverage premium
Erie average annual minimum coverage premium
National average annual minimum coverage premium
Clean driving history
$41
$486
$622
Speeding ticket conviction
$44
$527
$748
At-fault accident
$49
$592
$892
Erie car insurance quotes by age
Young drivers typically pay some of the highest average car insurance rates. Teens and other young drivers may save by remaining on their parents’ auto insurance policy until they’ve established their own households. The following average rates are based on a motorist on their parents’ policy with a clean driving record, as well as drivers listed on their own policies.
Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their parent’s policy
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Erie average monthly full coverage premium
Erie average annual full coverage premium
National average annual full coverage premium
Age 16
$240
$2,876
$4,392
Age 17
$225
$2,700
$4,102
Age 18
$219
$2,630
$3,837
Age 19
$209
$2,512
$3,345
Age 20
$205
$2,456
$3,149
Erie average monthly minimum coverage premium
Erie average annual minimum coverage premium
National average annual minimum coverage premium
Age 16
$86
$1,035
$1,470
Age 17
$81
$970
$1,362
Age 18
$79
$944
$1,261
Age 19
$74
$892
$1,070
Age 20
$73
$876
$995
Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their own policy
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Erie average monthly full coverage premium
Erie average annual full coverage premium
National average annual full coverage premium
Age 18
$249
$2,988
$6,110
Age 25
$136
$1,630
$2,473
Age 30
$122
$1,461
$2,125
Age 40
$113
$1,356
$2,014
Age 60
$107
$1,279
$1,824
Erie average monthly minimum coverage premium
Erie average annual minimum coverage premium
National average annual minimum coverage premium
Age 18
$90
$1,081
$1,967
Age 25
$48
$579
$747
Age 30
$43
$520
$647
Age 40
$41
$486
$622
Age 60
$39
$462
$578
Your deductible may be reduced by $100 for each claim-free policy year, up to a $500 maximum. This discount is only available to policyholders who purchase the Auto Plus endorsement, and its availability may vary by state.
Erie may extend both bundling and multi-policy discounts to policyholders who carry more than one insurance policy with the company.
Vehicles equipped with safety and security devices, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices, may qualify for a discount.
Erie may extend a discount to policyholders who pay their annual car insurance premium in one lump sum, rather than monthly installments.
Erie car tools and benefits
Erie extends a coverage option for non-owned autos including cars, moving vans and trailers that you use but do not own. This may be ideal for Erie drivers who do not own a vehicle but do drive on occasion.
Erie also sells boat, class car and motorcycle insurance, along with coverage for ATVs, golf carts and snowmobiles.
Erie home insurance
Erie home insurance receives high customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power as well as 24/7 support for policyholders and a variety of coverage options. Erie offers guaranteed replacement cost coverage as part of its standard homeowners policies as well as additional living expenses.
Although Erie does not allow policyholders to file a claim through their mobile app, the company has more than 13,000 local agents and advertises a 90 percent customer retention rate year over year.
Pros and cons of Erie homeowners insurance
If you’re considering Erie for your homeowners insurance needs, it may be helpful to compare perks and drawbacks you may experience with the carrier. Here are a few of the key pros and cons Bankrate’s editorial team identified:
PROS
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Guaranteed dwelling replacement cost coverage included in standard homeowners policies
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Ranked 7th in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study
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Standard home insurance policies include up to $500 in pet coverage
CONS
Close X
Only a few discounts available
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Few optional coverages available
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Not available in all states
Dwelling coverage limit
Erie average annual premium
National average annual premium
$150,000
$659
$975
$250,000
$957
$1,428
$350,000
$1,269
$1,879
$450,000
$1,601
$2,343
$750,000
$2,597
$3,761
Erie home insurance discounts
Home insurance discounts may help you save on your premium. Advertised home insurance discounts with Erie include:
You may earn a discount if your home is equipped with safety features like smoke alarms, security systems and an automatic sprinkler system.
Obtain an Erie homeowners insurance quote seven to 60 days before your current policy’s renewal date and you might earn a discount.
Customers who purchase a life insurance policy in addition to a car or homeowners insurance policy with Erie could earn a multi-policy discount.
Erie home tools and benefits
Erie’s home insurance coverage comes with unique options not found with other carriers. Its home insurance pet coverage extends coverage to up to $500 for animals, including birds and fish.
Erie offers gift card and gift certificate reimbursement coverage for its ErieSecure Home policies. Customers may receive reimbursement for up to $250 per gift card purchased from businesses within 100 miles of their home, with a maximum of $500 per policy period.
Erie life insurance
Erie offers four life insurance products: term life, whole life, universal life and Erie’s exclusive ERIExpress Life. Erie’s term life insurance may be a good option for those who want a fixed coverage term and intend for the policy to pay for expenses that may be burdensome to loved ones, such as funeral costs and mortgage or credit card debt. Whole and universal life have no fixed terms, but universal life offers the most flexible death benefit. Erie’s unique ERIExpress Life policy may be ideal for people looking for a simplified application and fast approval.
Pros and cons of Erie life insurance
The best life insurance company may be different for everyone, and each policy type serves a different purpose. The following pros and cons may help you decide if Erie life insurance is right for you.
PROS
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Multi-policy discounts available for policyholders with a life and home or auto policy.
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ERIExpress may be available without a medical exam.
Checkmark
Variety of policy types to choose from
CONS
Close X
Only one rider advertised to customize coverage.
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Online quoting is not available
Close X
Only writes policies in 12 states and the District of Columbia
Erie life insurance endorsements
Life insurance endorsements, also called riders, may modify and extend your life insurance coverage. Erie’s life insurance coverage only offers one rider, a long-term care rider. Erie’s long-term care rider is only available for universal and whole life insurance policies. The long-term care rider provides an accelerated death benefit, which pays a portion of your policy’s death benefit to help pay medical expenses incurred following a covered accident or illness that requires long-term care.
Erie life tools and benefits
Erie provides a life insurance calculator on its website to help customers decide which type of policy may best fit their needs. From there, customers can request to be paired with an independent Erie agent to get a quote.
Erie customer satisfaction
Researching third-party ratings may help you decide which insurer best fits your needs. J.D. Power produces annual car insurance and home insurance studies that rate and rank insurers based on their customer satisfaction. These include the national U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and more regional U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
Agencies such as AM Best, Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s analyze the financial strength of insurers and produce ratings that may indicate the financial strength of individual companies. Erie has earned an A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating.
Lastly, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) produces an annual complaint index report to track the prevalence of complaints lodged against insurance companies. The index employs a baseline of 1.0. Scores below 1.0 indicate that a provider had fewer complaints than expected for a company its size and vice versa.
Erie auto satisfaction
In J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, Erie ranked third in the market, with an overall customer satisfaction score of 893 out of 1,000. More regionally, Erie came in first for overall customer satisfaction in the mid-Atlantic and North Central regions. Erie has an NAIC Complaint Index of 0.56 for its private passenger policies, indicating fewer customer complaints than expected for a company its size.
Erie homeowners satisfaction
Erie ranked above average in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study, earning an overall customer satisfaction score of 827 out of 1,000. Erie’s homeowner policies have an impressive NAIC Complaint Index of 0.09, indicating very few complaints from policyholders.
Erie life satisfaction
Erie wasn’t rated in the annual life insurance study conducted by J.D. Power, potentially due to the company’s small size when compared to national life insurance carriers. However, the Erie Family Life company, which underwrites Erie’s life insurance products, has an NAIC Complaint Index of 0.46, which is less than half of the 1.00 baseline. Based on this data, Erie’s life insurance customers may be satisfied with the service they receive, since fewer-than-average complaints were filed.
How to file a claim with Erie
Erie gives auto and home insurance policyholders two ways to file a claim. They can contact their Erie agent or call the 24/7 claims center at 800-367-3743. Life insurance customers can file a claim by contacting their Erie agent or by calling 800-458-0811.
Erie availability
Erie writes car and home insurance policies in the District of Columbia and the following states:
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Maryland
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Erie sells life insurance in the District of Columbia and all of the aforementioned states, except New York.
Other Erie perks worth considering
Erie also offers business insurance including business automobile insurance. Business policies may protect a variety of businesses, including breweries, contractors, religious organizations, retailers and veterinarians.
Erie also offers a long list of other insurance and financial products for customers, including:
Financial services: Erie offers Medicare supplemental coverage (Medigap) and retirement accounts, including annuities and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Renters, condo and mobile home insurance: Erie offers a variety of insurance policies for other dwellings and living situations.
Flood insurance: Erie sells standalone flood insurance policies for homeowners and business owners.
Personal valuables insurance: This coverage may be purchased to financially protect jewelry, art, sports equipment, collections, musical instruments and more.
Erie corporate sustainability
Through The Giving Network, Erie and its employees volunteer time and money with organizations focussed on community building, environmental responsibility and safety. These initiatives include partnering with United Way and American Red Cross, as well as supporting other culture and arts organizations, entrepreneurship, education and environmental responsibility. In November 2022, the provider’s The Giving Network awarded $50,000 in grants to 10 northwest Pennsylvania environmental organizations.
With the company’s ERIE Service Corps, employees are encouraged to use a full work-day volunteering in their local community. The Corps also has a matching donation program and established the H.O. Hirt Scholarship Fund and the F.W. Hirt Employee Emergency Fund to more immediately meet the financial needs of their community.
Not sure if Erie is right for you?
Erie offers a variety of auto, home and life insurance products, but it does not write policies in all states. If you live outside Erie’s service area or need an insurer that offers a more diverse portfolio of products, you might consider one of these carriers:
Erie vs. Allstate
Allstate sells car and homeowners policies in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and all states except New Jersey. While Erie extends a multi-policy discount to policyholders, Allstate offers more ways to potentially reduce your premium. For instance, if you switch to Allstate, you might earn up to a 10 percent discount, plus an additional 10 percent savings each time you renew your policy. Allstate also offers a robust mobile app that allows policyholders to file claims virtually.
Learn more: Allstate insurance review
Erie vs. Travelers
Unlike Erie, Travelers offers optional rideshare coverage and gap insurance. Travelers extends many potential home insurance discounts including potential discounts for purchasing a new home and owning a LEED-certified green home. However, Travelers ranks lower than Erie in the 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study and does not sell life insurance products.
Learn more: Travelers Insurance review
Erie vs. AAA
AAA Life Insurance Company sells term life, universal life and whole life insurance policies. AAA’s traditional term life policies offer coverage up to $5 million and give you the option to add a child term endorsement, which provides up to $20,000 in coverage for each eligible child. AAA’s roadside assistance program is robust and enables you to request battery, flat tire, emergency fuel delivery, locksmith, mechanical first aid and towing services from the convenience of the AAA mobile app. Bear in mind that AAA coverages, discounts and optional coverages may vary by location.
Learn more: AAA insurance review
Is Erie a good insurance company?
Erie has excellent financial strength ratings and earned high marks in J.D. Power’s customer and claims satisfaction studies. Additionally, the provider has NAIC Complaint Indexes that are far lower than baseline.
While Erie includes some perks in its standard auto insurance policies, like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, the carrier falls behind in the market by not offering a comprehensive mobile app or telematics program.
Erie’s standard homeowners policies feature guaranteed dwelling replacement cost coverage, which most insurers only offer as an endorsement, but they extend few optional coverages and discounts. Overall, Erie offers a solid portfolio of auto, home and life insurance products, but the provider only writes policies in a handful of states.
Clock Wait
46
years of industry expertise
122
carriers reviewed
20.7K
ZIP codes examined
Dollar Coin
1.2M
quotes analyzed
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on 40-year-old male and female homeowners with a clean claim history, good credit and the following coverage limits:
Auto
$100,000 bodily injury liability per person
$300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$50,000 property damage liability per accident
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
$500 collision deductible
$500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 16-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts.
The rates for drivers ages 16–20 added to their parent’s policy reflect the good student and driver’s training discounts applied. The rates for drivers aged 16-20 on their own policy do not include the good student and driver’s training discounts. Additionally, 25-year-old rates are based on the driver as a renter and 30+ on the driver as a homeowner.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), single speeding ticket and single at-fault accident.
Homeowners
Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $250,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $25,000, $35,000, $45,000, $75,000
Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $125,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $50,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
Coverage E, Liability: $300,000, $300,000, $300,000, $300,000, $500,000
Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000
The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible and a separate wind and hail deductible (if required).
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.
Bankrate Scores
Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.
Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Tier scores are unweighted to show the company’s true score in each category out of a possible five points.
(see update below for more info on the 30% discount)
The Offer
Direct Link to offer
Chase is offering the following signup bonuses on the Southwest Plus, Premier, and Priority cards after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months:
Earn 60,000 bonus Southwest points
Get a promo code for 30% off a Southwest flight
30% savings valid for one-way or round trip Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares booked by 10/31/2024. Promotion code expires on 10/31/2024.
Update: VFTW says the 30% promo code works up on to 8 passengers in a single reservation. He also notes that it works on flights booked with points as well.
This signup offer is slated to end on June 26, 2023.
Card Details
Annual fees are not waived the first year
Card earns the following rates:
2x points (3x for Premier and Priority) for every $1 you spend on Southwest Airlines purchases
2x points for every $1 you spend on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
2x points per $1 you spend on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
2x points per $1 you spend on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
1x points for every $1 you spend on everyday purchases
Get 25% back on in-flight purchases
The Plus and Premier get 2 earlybird check-ins per year
Premier and Priority earn 1,500 tier qualifying points towards A-List status for every $10,000 spent, with no limit on the amount of TQPs you can earn
The Premier personal card earns a 6,000 points anniversary bonus; the Plus earns 3,000 points anniversary bonus; the Priority earns 7,500 anniversary bonus
Chase 5/24 rule does apply to this card
How Much Are Southwest Rapid Rewards Points Worth?
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The Southwest Companion Pass
Recent new benefits on the Chase Southwest cards
Our Verdict
Pretty good offer, we haven’t seen this kind of coupon code discount offer before as a card signup bonus. Some people might value highly the 30% promo code. I’m not seeing any limit to the 30% discount so it’s just limited by the expense of the flight. Hopefully we’ll see this offer via referral links which would give the referrer 20,000 points bonus.
We previously saw the 75k/$5k-spend offer from last year. This new 30% offer can theoretically be maximized for value in the thousands of dollars for eight passengers, though realistically most people will probably get far lower value from this. Still could be a solid overall offer.
The Companion Pass timing isn’t the best, see this post to learn more. 125,000 points are needed to get the Pass.
We’ll add this to our list of Best Credit Card Signup Bonuses. Before applying check out these 26 Things Everybody Should Know About Chase Credit Cards.
To the Class of 2023: Congratulations! Graduating from college is a huge milestone, and your hard work and efforts should be celebrated.
Whether you’re jumping into your first job or embarking on a post-grad trip, it can feel overwhelming to launch into adulthood.
Don’t fret — there are tools to make this transition easier. A significant step into adulthood is opening your first credit card. Perhaps you’re ahead of the game and have been a proud owner of a student card throughout your four years as an undergrad. Or you may be shopping around for your first “adult” credit card.
Either way, we firmly believe the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card should be every graduate’s first credit card. And as a graduation present, it’s currently offering a fantastic bonus of 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in your first three months of account opening. But you’ll want to jump on it; apply before 9 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on May 25 to take advantage of this elevated offer.
High sign-up bonus
It’s the truth: the current sign-up bonus is one of the highest we’ve seen on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
For a card with a (reasonable) $95 annual fee, you’re looking at 80,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, meaning that this sign-up bonus is worth a whopping $1,600.
Historically, the sign-up bonus has been 60,000 points for the same amount of spending. Simply put, there’s never been a better time to apply.
But before you get too excited, ensure you can manage the spending requirement to get the bonus. It works out to about $1,334 in monthly spending for your first three months, which you can easily hit if you’re about to spend a solid chunk on moving expenses and a professional wardrobe for your launch into adulthood. Still, make sure you don’t charge more than you can afford to pay off, no matter how good the bonus is.
Related: Not just for the established elite: TPG millennials and Gen Z staff weigh in on their experience with premier rewards credit cards
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Introduction to points and miles
If you want to learn about the world of points and miles, you’ve come to the right place. Here at TPG, we have a plethora of resources to get you started — including our beginner’s guide and our list of best first credit cards.
One of the things you’ll see in these guides is that Chase Sapphire Preferred is always at the top of the list. It’s a beginner-friendly card that will ease you into “travel hacking” or learning how to use your credit card rewards to unlock free flights or hotel stays. There are many redemption options with this card, but you’ll find the most value as a travel rewards card by using your points for travel.
To break it down in simple terms, you have two options for booking travel with this card. First, you can book through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal at a 25% points bonus or a rate of 1.25 cents each. For example, 10,000 points translates to $125 value in travel. You can book a variety of travel on this portal, including flights, hotels, car rentals and cruises.
Once you get comfortable booking travel through the portal, you can dip your toes into transferring your points to loyalty programs. Chase lets you move your points at a 1:1 rate to 11 airline and three hotel partners, so your 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points can equal 80,000 points in the loyalty program of your choice.
Of course, some partners are better than others, but some of our high-value favorites include Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt. With these partners, getting much more than 1.25 cents of value per point is possible. We’ve even gotten up to 4.5 cents in value with a business class ticket on Air France before, so the sky is the limit when it comes to Chase’s transfer partners.
Related: From no credit to free flights: An inside look at a 23-year-old’s credit journey
Valuable card benefits
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a popular card, especially among Gen-Z’ers, since it comes with many useful partner benefits that can help you save money and reward you at the same time.
One of the most valuable perks is a complimentary one-year membership to DoorDash DashPass (available through Dec. 31, 2024.) This membership will get you free delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders of $12 or more. This subscription service usually costs $9.99 monthly, so this benefit is valuable enough to justify the card’s $95 annual fee.
You’ll also enjoy 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 2025.) Depending on how often you use Lyft, this is a fantastic way to earn bonus points on this rideshare service.
Finally, it’s worth checking the Chase Offers on your card. They’ll update every week or so.
All of these partner offers can help you save money on your everyday purchases.
Travel and purchase protections
One more reason you’ll love the Sapphire Preferred: No other card with a $95 annual fee comes with as many travel and shopping protections. Hopefully, you never have to use any of these benefits, but these coverages will give you peace of mind and save you money if an emergency arises:
Primary car rental coverage: Covers theft and damage up to the actual cash value of the rental car on bookings of less than 31 consecutive days. Note that most credit cards only offer secondary coverage.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: Reimburses you up to $10,000 per person (or $20,000 per trip) for your pre-paid, nonrefundable trip expenses due to covered reasons, such as sickness, severe weather and more.
Baggage delay insurance: Reimburses you up to $100 per day (for up to five days) for baggage delays more than six hours to cover the purchase of essential items.
Trip delay reimbursement: Reimburses you up to $500 per ticket to purchase meals or lodging for trip delays of 12 hours or more (or requiring an overnight stay).
Lost luggage reimbursement: Covers loss or damage to your luggage by a common carrier (such as an airline) for up to $3,000 per passenger.
Travel and emergency assistance: Receive emergency assistance and referrals if you encounter problems while traveling.
Extended warranty protection: Extends a U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on warranties of three years or less.
Purchase protection: Covers damage or theft on new purchases, up to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account.
For any of these to apply, you must pay for your purchase with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You can file a claim with the Benefits Administrator online through Card Benefit Services.
Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred perks
Bottom line
If you’ve just graduated, do yourself a favor and add the Chase Sapphire Preferred to your wallet. With its killer sign-up bonus, long-term earning potential and perks, you’ll love having this card along for your journey into the real world.
Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred with 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months. Apply before 9 a.m. ET on May 25.
If you’re a small- business owner who likes to fly Southwest, you can use the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card to earn plenty of Rapid Rewards points for your spending. This card also offers numerous perks and benefits, such as credit towards elite status, a fee credit for expedited airport security, upgraded boardings, and free inflight WiFi.
If you fly Southwest regularly, these benefits can easily be worth this card’s pricey annual fee. But if you’re only an occasional Southwest flyer, choose a less expensive card.
What Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card comes to small-business owners through Southwest’s banking partner, Chase.
It offers new applicants 80,000 points in Southwest’s Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program after spending $5,000 within three months of account opening. These points count toward the 135,000 points that you need to earn to receive the Companion Pass, which allows you to add a designated companion to an unlimited number of flights, with no airfare (just government taxes).
You also earn 4x points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases and 3x points per dollar spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. You earn 2x points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services, as well as on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services. And you earn one point per dollar spent on all other purchases. There’s no limit to how many points you can earn.
This card also features numerous benefits including four upgraded boardings per year when available, and up to 365 InFlight WiFi credits per year. This can allow you and your staff to be more productive by boarding and deplaning earlier, while staying connected during your flights.
This card also offers you a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS when you use your card. These programs save you valuable time by allowing you to speed through security at the airport.
And if you’re shooting for elite status on Southwest, this card also offers you 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent, and there’s no limit on the amount of TQPs you can earn. This card also gives you 9,000 bonus points each year on your account anniversary, worth about $135 in airfare.
There’s a $199 annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
What Sets the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card Apart?
This is a premium travel rewards card for small business travelers, and it’s heavy on the perks and benefits. Here are the ones that really stand out:
Big sign-up bonus. This card’s offer to new applicants of 80,000 points, the most of any of the Southwest Rapid Rewards business or personal cards. It will get you over two-thirds of the way to earning the extremely valuable Companion Pass.
Large bonuses for Southwest purchases. Many airline credit cards offer you just 2x or 3x miles for airline ticket purchase, but this card ups the ante to 4x. Considering Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth about 1.5 cents each, this is like getting a 6% rebate on your tickets.
Nearly unlimited free WiFi. This card will credit you for inflight WiFi purchases charged to your card, up to 365 times per year. Unless you fly literally every day, you can share this benefit with friends, family, and staff.
Generous anniversary gift. Who doesn’t like receiving a gift on their anniversary? With this card, you’ll automatically receive 9,000 bonus points each year on your account anniversary, worth about $135 in airfare.
Key Features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
This card has a strong sign-up bonus, lots of bonus categories for spending, and plenty of benefits when flying Southwest.
Sign-Up Bonus
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
This is the biggest sign-up bonus of any of the Southwest Rapid Rewards business or personal cards. It gets you over two-thirds of the way to earning the extremely valuable Companion Pass.
Earning Rewards
Like many travel rewards cards, this card has a multi-tier earning structure. You earn:
4x points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases.
3x points per dollar spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases.
2x points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services, plus 2x points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services.
1x point per dollar spent on everyday purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards is about the simplest frequent flier program around. Points are worth about 1.4 cents each towards any airfare offered. For example, a flight that costs $188 can also be purchased for 13.363 points.
Southwest also has no change or cancellation fees for award tickets, so when you redeem your points, you are receiving a fully refundable ticket.
Important Fees
This card has a $199 annual fee, but there’s no foreign transaction fee.
Credit Required
This card requires excellent credit.
Advantages
This card offers several key advantages over its competitors. Notable perks include a very attractive sign-up bonus, an anniversary points bonus, and free inflight WiFi up to 365 times per year
80,000 point sign-up bonus. This is a very competitive new account bonus, and it’s bigger than the bonuses offered by other Southwest consumer and small business cards. But what makes this extremely valuable is that the points qualify towards the 135,000 needed to earn a Companion Pass.
Free WiFi. You get 365 credits towards inflight WiFi purchases, which are normally $8 each.
Upgraded boardings. You receive four upgraded boardings, which normally start at $30 each and can be more.
Anniversary bonus. The cost of this card’s annual fee is largely offset by receiving about $135 in travel rewards.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. Many cards offer this feature, but it’s still valuable as you can use it for yourself, friends, family or colleagues.
Cardmember benefits. This card offers numerous travel insurance and purchase protection benefits. This includes baggage delay and lost luggage insurance and it comes at a time when several card issuers have eliminated most of these benefits that were once considered standard.
Disadvantages
This card has few downsides, but do watch out for the high annual fee and limited perks relative to that fee.
Expensive annual fee. $199 is a large annual fee, and it will only be worth paying if you can realize significant benefits from this card.
No impressive perks. When a card has an annual fee this large, you tend to expect something that makes you say “Wow!” This could be airport lounge access, or a big credit towards a purchase with a partner. There’s nothing that exciting with this card. There are some DoorDash perks, but nothing to write home about.
How the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card Stacks Up
One of this card’s closest competitors is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card from American Express. Let’s see how they match up on key terms:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card
Annual Fee
$199
$250
Sign-Up Bonus
80,000 points
60,000 miles
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
1x-3x
0% Intro APR
None
None
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
Credit Needed
Excellent
Excellent
Final Word
If you’re a small-business owner, and you’re going all-in on Southwest, then the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card is a great card to have. You’ll start off with a very large sign-up bonus, then have the chance to earn plenty of points from your spending. And if you can utilize the perks like upgraded boarding, free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and free WiFi, then you’re not going to have a problem justifying this card’s $199 annual fee.
If you just use Southwest a few times a year, and you don’t find these benefits to be valuable, then perhaps this isn’t the right card for you. However, the extremely attractive sign-up bonus — worth about $1,100 in free airfare — may convince you to at least try the card for a year and see how it suits you.
The Verdict
Our rating
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card is the number one choice for small-business owners who are regular Southwest customers. It offers numerous ways to earn bonus points as well as plenty of valuable benefits. Bottom line: You should strongly consider it if Southwest is your company’s preferred airline.
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Jason has been writing about personal finance, travel, and other topics on blogs across the Internet. When he is not writing, he has a career in information technology and is also a commercially rated pilot. Jason lives in Colorado with his wife and young daughter where he enjoys parenting, cycling, and other extreme sports.
Inside: Do you need to make $5000 fast for ways to make extra money? This guide has dozens of ideas for earning money. When you need to know how to make 5000 fast, this list has something for you.
Are you looking for ways to make 5000 dollars fast?
You’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll share 15 realistic ways to make money quickly.
Your first thought might be SCAM to make this much money fast, but honestly, there are plenty of ways to make extra cash without any special skills or experience.
You just have to decide what works best for you. That is how you will make the most money without feeling like you are working.
I love hustling to make extra money to afford things we couldn’t otherwise.
So if you’re ready to start making some extra cash, let’s get started!
What are the most realistic ways to make $5,000 fast?
Moreover, making $5,000 fast is possible through a combination of online and offline methods.
Selling items, offering freelance work, participating in paid surveys, trading stocks, and pet-sitting or dog-walking services are all viable options.
Set goals, track progress, and experiment with multiple gigs to find what works best for you. With dedication, effort, and a little bit of creativity, you can reach your income goal in no time.
How to double $5,000 quickly?
If you want to double $5,000 quickly, there are several realistic ways to achieve this goal. Here are five options to consider:
Invest in the stock market: The stock market can be a great way to make money quickly, but it also comes with risks. Look for companies with a strong track record and invest wisely.
Start a side hustle: Starting a side business or selling items online can be a great way to make extra money. Consider your skills and interests to find a profitable niche.
Participate in affiliate marketing: Affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission for each sale. Look for products with high commissions and a strong customer base.
Flip items for profit: Buy low and sell high by flipping items like cars, furniture, or electronics. This can be a risky business, so do your research and start small.
Play the long game: Consider living a frugal life and saving and investing your money over time to see a larger return. This may not double your money quickly, but it can lead to significant growth in the long run.
Each method comes with its own potential risks and benefits, so it’s important to do your research and choose the option that best fits your skills and financial goals.
With dedication and hard work, doubling your $5,000 is within reach.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
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16 realistic ways to make 5000 dollars fast
If you’ve been looking for ways to make some extra money, there are many opportunities out there.
While most won’t make you rich overnight, if you put in the effort, you can find some that will help you reach your financial goals.
Here are 16 realistic ways to make $5,000 fast.
1. Sell Unwanted Items
If you’re looking to make $5000 fast, selling unwanted items is a great way to do it.
Start by identifying valuable items in your home such as antiques, electronics, furniture, or musical instruments.
Once you’ve identified your items, choose a platform to sell on eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are all great options.
When pricing your items, do some research to ensure you’re pricing them competitively. Use the “buy it now” feature on eBay or set a fair price on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Don’t forget to take clear photos and provide detailed descriptions of your items.
Check out the most popular items to sell and make money. Plus you can declutter your home.
2. Take on a Part-Time Job
Part-time jobs offer a steady stream of income and opportunities for skill development. Often this is an overlooked way to make money, but there are plenty of part-time jobs available.
Popular part-time job options include retail or food service positions, which often offer the potential for tips or commission-based earnings.
Balancing a part-time job with other commitments may be challenging, but it can be done with proper planning and prioritization. Overall, a part-time job can be a reliable way to generate extra income and reach financial goals.
Many happen to be early morning jobs, too.
3. Invest in Stocks
Investing in stocks can be a realistic way to make $5000 fast. In fact, learn how fast you can make money with stocks.
Since you are interested in making money fast, you need to be an active trader, which means you are trading for income. Not a buy-and-hold investor.
Typically, most active traders prefer to trade growth stocks such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, or Tesla.
It’s important to do your research and choose the right stocks to invest in. More importantly, you have to know when to enter and exit. Here is the best course I know on learning how to trade stocks.
However, keep in mind that investing in stocks is subject to market risk, so it’s important to consult with a personal finance expert and assess your risk tolerance before making any investments.
4. Borrow Money
Remember that borrowing money should not be a long-term solution and explore other ways to make money as well.
If you need to make $5000 fast, borrowing money might be an option. You can borrow from a personal loan, credit card, or friends and family.
Personal loans are a good option if you have good credit, but they often come with high-interest rates.
Credit cards can offer cash advances, but the interest rates can be high too.
Borrowing from friends or family can be a good option, but it can also put a strain on relationships.
To secure the best possible terms, shop around for loans and compare interest rates and fees. Make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions before signing, and ensure you can make the payments on time.
5. Sell Things Online
Selling things online is a great way to make extra cash quickly. This involves buying items you know you can resell online for a higher price.
With the ability to reach a wider audience and the convenience of not having to leave your house, selling online has become increasingly popular.
Platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon offer product-selling concepts that make it easy to sell a variety of items, from clothes to electronics.
To optimize product listings, take high-quality photos, write detailed descriptions, and price items competitively. When handling shipping and handling, use free shipping labels, and provide excellent customer service to ensure a positive experience for buyers.
6. Land a Job That You Can Do From Home
To land a job that you can do from home, it’s important to have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job you’re interested in.
Popular work-from-home jobs include online tutoring, virtual assistance, bookkeeping, social media management, and transcription.
Be prepared to participate in virtual interviews and demonstrate your ability to work independently. With the right skills and job search strategies, you can land a job that you can do from home.
Find the best non phone work from home jobs.
7. Make Crafts
Crafts can be a fun way to turn your hobby into a money-making side hustle.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Choose your craft: Decide on a craft that you enjoy making and that you think will sell well. Popular options include jewelry, candles, and home decor.
Gather your materials: Depending on your craft, you’ll need to gather materials such as beads, wax, or fabric. You can find these at craft stores or online.
Develop your skills: If you’re new to your chosen craft, take some time to practice and improve your skills. Watch tutorials and read books to learn new techniques.
Create your products: Once you have your materials and skills, start creating your products. Make sure they’re high-quality and visually appealing.
Set up shop: You can sell your crafts online through platforms like Etsy or Amazon Handmade. You can also sell them in person at craft fairs or local markets.
Promote your products: Use social media and word of mouth to promote your products. Share photos and information about your crafts and encourage people to buy them.
By following these steps, you can turn your love of crafting into a profitable side hustle. Remember to be patient and persistent in your efforts to sell your crafts.
8. Rent Out a Space
Right now, your space can be a profitable side hustle.
To make $5000 fast by renting out a space, start by identifying the type of space you can rent out, such as a parking room, garage, or storage space.
You can even get creative and rent out your pool.
Clean and organize the space, then list it on online platforms like Airbnb, Turo, or Neighbor. To ensure a smooth rental process, screen potential renters, set clear rules and expectations, and maintain regular communication.
With some effort and attention to detail, renting out a space can provide a lucrative source of extra income.
9. Sell Digital Goods
This is one of the most popular ways to make money.
Digital goods are products that can be downloaded, streamed, or accessed online, such as ebooks, printables, stock photos, and online courses.
They are a viable option for making money quickly because they require little to no overhead costs and can be sold to a global audience.
The most popular is creating and selling printables. Learn how to make printables.
With dedication and effort, selling digital goods can be a lucrative way to make up to $5000 fast.
10. Join the Gig Economy
The gig economy refers to a labor market characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work, as opposed to permanent jobs.
Popular platforms in the gig economy include:
Joining the gig economy can be an effective way to make $5,000 quickly. One of the main benefits of working in the gig economy is flexibility, as you can determine your own schedules.
To maximize earnings, it’s important to treat gig work like a business and stay organized, tracking expenses and income.
11. Work as a Shopper
As a shopper, your job is to pick up and deliver items to customers using your own vehicle.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
Choose a platform: There are several platforms to choose from, such as Instacart, Shipt, and DoorDash. Research each platform and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Sign up: Once you’ve chosen a platform, sign up and complete the application process. This typically involves providing personal information, a valid driver’s license, and passing a background check.
Attend orientation: Some platforms require you to attend an orientation session before you can start working. This will provide you with important information on how to use the app, how to pick up and deliver items, and how to maximize your earnings.
Start shopping: Once you’re approved, log into the app and start accepting orders. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and communicate with the customer if you have any questions.
Maximize earnings: To maximize your earnings, consider working during peak hours when there are more orders available. You can also increase your tips by providing excellent customer service and communicating with customers throughout the shopping process. Additionally, some platforms offer bonuses for completing a certain number of orders within a specified time frame.
Ensure success: To ensure success, it’s important to be organized and efficient. Plan your route ahead of time and try to group orders in the same area together. Keep track of your expenses, such as gas and vehicle maintenance, and make sure you’re earning enough to cover these costs.
With the convenience of on-demand shopping and delivery services, there’s never been a better time to get started.
12. Clean Houses
Cleaning houses can be a lucrative business, with the demand for house cleaning services always high.
To get started, you will need basic cleaning supplies such as cleaning products, mops, vacuums, and cleaning cloths. You can market your services by creating flyers, promoting on social media, and offering referral discounts.
Here are some tips to be successful:
Setting your rates depends on factors such as the size of the house and the frequency of cleaning.
Negotiating with clients can help you secure long-term contracts.
Providing excellent customer service is crucial for building a loyal client base.
As your business grows, consider expanding your services to include laundry and organizing, and hiring additional staff to take on more clients.
With dedication and hard work, you can make up to $5000 fast by cleaning houses.
13. Take Photos
If you’re looking for a side hustle that can earn you some extra cash, taking photos on your phone and selling them on stock photo sites is a great option. You don’t need to be a professional photographer, but having some experience can be helpful.
Some of the best apps to sell your photos on include Shutterstock, Deposit Photos, or iStock by Getty Images.
To get started, you’ll need to create a portfolio of your best work and start submitting them to stock photo sites. While you might need to purchase a camera and photo editing software, there’s not much else you need to get started.
It’s possible to make $1 or more per photo you sell.
14. Write Web Content for a Blog
Well-written web content is essential for making money online, as it can attract more visitors to your blog and keep them engaged.
To write effective web content, it’s important to understand your audience and their needs and to use clear and concise language.
Make sure to use headings, bullet points, and images to break up text and make it easier to read. Additionally, provide actionable advice that can help readers make money or solve a problem.
Sharing your personal experiences and stories can also help to connect with your audience and build trust. By following these tips, you can create high-quality web content that can help you make money and increase website traffic.
15. Engage in Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is promoting someone else’s product or service and receiving a commission for every sale you facilitate.
To be successful with affiliate marketing, start by finding products with high commissions and you will need a large number of followers.
Build an audience around the products you’re promoting and promote them through social media and email marketing. Focus on building a strong relationship with your audience and providing value through helpful content.
With the right strategy and persistence, you can earn your first $5000 through affiliate marketing in no time.
16. Provide Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistant jobs are becoming increasingly popular as a way to make money from the comfort of your own home.
As a virtual assistant, you can perform a variety of tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing social media accounts, answering emails, creating presentations, and more. The amount of money you can make will vary depending on your skills, but the average hourly rate for a virtual assistant is around $25 per hour.
Additionally, taking virtual assistant courses and learning new skills can help you specialize and earn more money.
How to use what you’ve learned to start making money quickly
Believe me, I have gone down the road of making money with MLMs or (multi-level-marketing). However, I have found the above ways to be better options for me.
Once you find your groove, you will be able to scale up how much money you make.
Step 1: Research ways to make money fast
If you need to make money quickly, there are many legitimate opportunities available.
Try multiple gigs to find what pays the most in your area and what you enjoy doing.
When researching ways to make money fast, be cautious of scams and do your due diligence before committing to anything. With a bit of creativity and determination, you can find practical and actionable steps to achieve your financial goals.
Step 2: Choose a way to make money fast
When choosing the best way to make $5000 fast, there are a few criteria to consider.
First, consider your skills and interests. If you enjoy driving, delivering for DoorDash or UberEats could be a good fit. If you’re tech-savvy, freelance work or online tutoring might be a good option.
Second, consider the time commitment. Some methods, like selling items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, can be done in your spare time, while others, like starting a side hustle or taking on freelance work, may require more time and effort.
Finally, consider the potential earnings. Some methods, day trading stocks or selling printables, have the potential for higher earnings than others.
Step 3: Get started making money fast
If you’re looking to make money fast, it’s important to take action right away and not get bogged down by analysis paralysis.
Start with the methods that require the least amount of time and effort, such as selling items you no longer need or completing online surveys. These are easy-to-implement money-making strategies that can quickly generate extra cash.
If you need to save up for a course, then set aside your profits to make that happen.
Step 4: Sacrifice your time for money
Sacrificing your time can be a great way to make money quickly.
The best is when you start to build passive income, you are earning money without the need to work. That is when your hard work will pay off.
By dedicating your time to side hustles, you can earn a significant amount of money within a short period.
Step 5: Maximize your revenue with each step
To make $5000 fast, it’s essential to set realistic revenue goals and identify the most profitable revenue streams.
Prioritize the revenue streams that are most feasible and have the highest earning potential. Once you have identified your revenue streams, optimize your earnings by leveraging your skills and resources.
This could include networking, outsourcing, or investing in your own education to improve your earning potential.
FAQ
Flipping items on eBay is a great way to make money.
To start, you need to find items that you can buy for a low price and sell for a higher price. Look for items that are in demand, such as electronics, clothing, and collectibles. You can find these items at flea markets, garage sales, and online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
Remember to reinvest your profits into buying more items to flip. With time and effort, flipping items on eBay can be a lucrative side hustle.
Becoming a content creator on YouTube might be an option for you.
You can make money from ads, affiliates, and sponsored content, as well as selling your own merch and products.
It is important to create consistent and top-quality videos to build up a following, but it can be a lucrative online side hustle.
freelance work, and more. Here are some of the most popular options:
Freelance work: Graphic design, web development, digital marketing, typing, and more.
Food delivery: DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and more.
Package delivery: Amazon Flex, Roadie, GoShare, Lugg, and more.
Rideshare driving: Lyft, Uber, and more.
While these jobs offer flexibility and quick payment, they may come with fees and additional costs. Nevertheless, they are great options for making extra income on the side.
There are plenty of job opportunities in the gig economy, ranging from food delivery to How to make $5,000 in a month?
There are several realistic and actionable ways to make $5,000 in a month.
Freelance jobs like virtual assistance, freelance writing, and web development are great options. If you have an established following, your YouTube channel could also make more than $5,000. Other methods to explore are selling on Amazon, affiliate marketing, and blogging.
While some methods may require more work than others, there’s no reason you can’t earn this money quickly.
Remember to think outside the box and explore all of your options.
How to Get 5000 Dollars Fast
Remember that making money fast requires dedication and persistence, but the rewards can be significant.
The potential earnings and time commitment for each option vary, but with effort and dedication, you can make $5000 within a couple of months.
Selling items can earn you a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, while freelance work and trading stocks can earn you thousands of dollars depending on the quality of your work.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you.
Also, consider what works well for one person may not be the best idea for the next.
Maybe earning 5k is more than you need:
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
The average cost of car insurance in New Jersey is $1,754 per year for full coverage, according to 2022 data obtained from Quadrant Information Services. Minimum coverage costs an average of $782 each year. This means that New Jersey’s minimum coverage is above the national average of $622, while full coverage is well below the national average of $2,014. The higher minimum rate may be related to the high number of urban areas there are in the state, where you will often see elevated rates to reflect the increased possibility of accidents. Additionally, New Jersey has just implemented Phase I of a two-phased approach to raising the minimum levels of liability coverage required to drive legally in the state. You should keep in mind that your rates will likely differ from the averages based on your individual rating factors.
Also, compared to the rates of nearby states, New Jersey’s premiums come in below average. Take Pennsylvania, for instance. Although Pennsylvania and New Jersey are neighbors, the average cost for a full coverage policy in Pennsylvania is $2,040 per year, more than $200 higher than New Jersey. New York, one of the most expensive states for car insurance in the country, is even higher, averaging a whopping $3,139 annually for full coverage.
How to find the best car insurance in New Jersey
Drivers in New Jersey must maintain continuous coverage to avoid potential hefty fines and suspensions to their driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. In addition to complying with the law, a sufficient car insurance policy could provide essential financial protection if you are involved in a car accident. Since every driver has their own needs when it comes to auto insurance, no one company will be best for all. For this reason, it may be a good idea to shop around and request quotes from multiple companies. We’ve compiled some things you might want to keep in mind while you’re shopping so that you can find auto insurance in New Jersey that fits your needs.
Consider minimum insurance requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey car insurance laws are unique, and it is a no-fault state. There are two options for minimum required coverage: the basic policy and the standard policy. Basic policies include just a required level of property damage liability per accident and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and come with the option to purchase bodily injury liability coverage. If you choose a basic policy, your ability to add other coverage types could be limited.
Standard policies include bodily injury liability, property damage liability and PIP, and also come with a broader range of optional endorsements to choose from. Understanding New Jersey’s car insurance laws could help you decide if you need to purchase more coverage than just the minimum required. In 2023 and again in 2026, the minimum liability levels required to drive legally are increasing, which will likely mean a corresponding increase in your premium if you opt for minimum coverage car insurance.
Consider lender requirements
Drivers with loans or leases may have additional car insurance requirements to consider. Financing and leasing companies want financial protection for their asset (your vehicle) until it is paid off and in your name. They often do this by imposing insurance requirements that you must meet to comply with your financing or leasing agreement. To satisfy lender requirements, you may need to have full coverage insurance, which includes comprehensive coverage and collision coverage on your car insurance. Although not required, you could also consider gap insurance, which helps pay the difference between your loan balance and your vehicle’s cash value if your car is totaled.
Consider your individual needs
Auto insurance is a highly personalized product. Each driver has their own needs, but you might find that not every company offers what you are looking for. If you have a youthful driver in your home, you may need to tailor your search toward companies that offer cheap car insurance rates for teens. Those who work remotely may find savings by purchasing pay-per-mile insurance. If you drive for a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft, you may need to find a company that offers rideshare insurance. Before you shop, it can be helpful to list your priorities and use this as a guide while requesting car insurance quotes.
You can pay rent with any credit card and earn rewards on the entire payment. But even if your credit limit can accommodate the transaction, there’s a catch: You generally have to use a payment portal that tacks 2% to 4% onto the transaction. That’s more than enough to offset any rewards you’d earn.
Bilt Mastercard offers a way around that. It has a built-in rent payment portal that lets you pay your rent without the transaction fee. You earn a 1% return on those rent payments too.
Transaction-fee-free rent payments with rewards is Bilt Mastercard’s biggest selling point, but it’s not the card’s only notable feature. Bilt Mastercard has some additional upsides — and downsides — to consider before you apply.
What Is Bilt Mastercard?
Bilt Mastercard is a rewards credit card with no annual fee. It’s one of the few credit cards that waives transaction fees on rent payments, significantly reducing the cost of paying rent with a credit card.
Bilt Mastercard has an above-average rewards program that earns points on everything you buy — double and triple points on common purchases like travel and dining. Heavy spenders can move up the Bilt Rewards hierarchy, earning points toward travel, experiences, or even a down payment on a house.
What Sets Bilt Mastercard Apart?
Bilt Mastercard has a few unusual features that set it apart from most rewards credit cards.
No transaction fee on rent payments. When you pay your rent with Bilt Mastercard, you don’t pay a transaction fee. That’s a big advantage over other rent payment portals, which charge at least 2% for rent payments.
The opportunity to build credit through rent payments. If you live at any of the more than 1 million units in the Bilt Rewards Alliance, a group of 20-plus property management companies, you can opt into a credit reporting program that alerts the major credit bureaus to your rent payments. That can become part of your strategy to build or rebuild credit faster.
Double points on the first day of the month. Bilt Mastercard doubles your point earnings on all purchases you make on the first of the month — Rent Day. That’s 6x points on dining purchases, 4x points on travel purchases, and 2x points on everything else. Plan your spending accordingly, especially big-ticket purchases.
Is Bilt Mastercard Legit?
Yes, Bilt Mastercard is legitimate. While Bilt itself isn’t very well known, this credit card is backed by Wells Fargo, one of the biggest banks in the United States (and world).
Funds held with Wells Fargo are FDIC-insured, and it’s one of the few banks qualifying as “too big to fail,” so it’s not going anywhere. If it does, we all have bigger problems than whether this one credit card is a scam.
Key Features of Bilt Mastercard
Bilt Mastercard touts its transaction fee-free rent rewards. But that’s just one feature on a much bigger menu.
Earning Bilt Rewards
Bilt Mastercard has a tiered rewards program. The rewards you earn depend on what category your purchase falls into. But overall, it’s a generous rewards program.
Unlimited 3x rewards on dining: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on eligible dining purchases, including takeout and delivery.
Unlimited 2x rewards on travel: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on travel booked directly with the provider, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, and cruises. Purchases through third-party booking engines like Expedia may not qualify.
1x rewards on rent payments: Earn 1 point per $1 spent on rent payments, even if your unit isn’t part of the Bilt Rewards Alliance. Bilt caps rent rewards at 100,000 points each year, high enough for most cardholders.
Unlimited 1x rewards on everything else: Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
You have to make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn rewards for that period. That rules out using Bilt Mastercard for rent payments only.
Redeeming Bilt Rewards
You can redeem Bilt rewards for:
Direct travel purchases with over 100 airline and hotel partners
Transfers to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners, generally at a 1-to-1 ratio
Rent payments
Credit toward a down payment on a home
Experiences and merchandise, including classes with fitness partners like SoulCycle and home decor and apparel brands in the Bilt Collection
Redemption minimums and values vary, but if you travel regularly, the most reliable value comes from transfers to airline and hotel partners. Otherwise, rent payments are your best bet.
Bilt Rewards Status Levels
Bilt’s rewards program has four tiers based on your annual point earnings. Each tier unlocks new benefits:
Blue: Everyone starts as a Blue member.
Silver: Unlocks when you earn 25,000 points in a calendar year. Perks include a 10% bonus on Bilt points when you begin or renew an apartment lease with a Bilt Rewards Alliance members. So if your first month’s rent on a qualifying lease is $2,000, you earn 200 bonus points.
Gold: Unlocks with 50,000 points earned in a calendar year. With Gold, the points bonus for a new or renewed lease jumps to 25%. Plus, you get access to Bilt’s Homeownership Concierge, a homebuying consulting service.
Platinum: Unlocks with 100,000 points earned in a calendar year. The lease incentive bonus increases to 50% and you get an exclusive gift from the Bilt Collection — typically some sort of home decor item.
Building Credit With Rent Payments
If you wish, you can allow Bilt to report your rent payments to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). That may help you build credit faster, especially if you don’t have many other credit accounts. But it can also hurt you if you stop paying rent for any reason or you’re late on rent payments.
Travel Benefits
Bilt Mastercard has some potentially valuable non-rewards travel benefits too.
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage reimburses nonrefundable prepaid reservations you have to cancel so long as you have a valid reason, such as illness
Trip delay reimbursement covers nonrefundable prepaid reservations you can’t honor due to covered flight or other transport delays
Car rental insurance covers costs related to collision damage to your rental car when you pay for the rental in full with your Bilt card and decline the rental company’s offer of coverage
Additional Benefits
Bilt Mastercard has some other complimentary benefits:
$5 Lyft credit per statement period when you complete at least three rides
$5 credit off your first DoorDash order each month
Three-month complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription, which waives the delivery fee on eligible orders
Cellphone protection, which covers damage and theft up to $800 per claim (less a $25 deductible)
Ongoing APR
From day one, Bilt Mastercard’s APR is 20.99%, 23.99%, or 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. There’s no introductory APR promotion for purchases or balance transfers.
Important Fees
Bilt Mastercard has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Other fees may apply, including balance transfer and cash advance fees.
Credit Required
Bilt Mastercard has relatively laid-back standards. It’s not for people with bad credit, but your application may be approved, even if your FICO credit score is below 700. For more information, see our article about good versus bad credit scores.
Advantages
Bilt Mastercard has an above-average rewards program, multiple perks and benefits for renters, and some potentially valuable benefits for cardholders who use rideshare and restaurant delivery services.
Up to 3x points on eligible purchases. Bilt Mastercard earns 3 points per $1 spent on dining purchases, on par with premium dining credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Earn rewards on rent payments without the transaction fee. Bilt Mastercard earns 1 point per $1 spent on rent payments. That’s nice, but the real value is in the transaction fee waiver, which can save you 2% to 4% when compared to other rent payment portals.
Earn double points on Rent Day. Bilt Mastercard doubles rewards on all purchases made on the first of the month. That boosts the maximum return to a very generous 6x.
More points as you ascend status levels. Earn at least 25,000 points in a year to unlock higher status levels, with benefits like bonus points on new and renewed leases at Bilt Alliance properties.
No annual fee. Bilt Mastercard has no annual fee, so you won’t pay anything to keep it around. This is a welcome contrast with some other premium dining and travel credit cards.
DoorDash and Lyft perks. They won’t make you rich, but Bilt Mastercard offers perks for regular DoorDash and Lyft users (or users willing to switch). Both are worth at least $5 per month if you meet the qualifications.
Relaxed standards. Bilt Mastercard has looser standards than many competing cards, which require FICO scores above 700 to qualify (and sometimes well above).
Opportunity to build credit with rent payments. If you live in a unit managed by a member of the Bilt Rewards Alliance, you can agree to have your rent payments reported to the major credit bureaus. That can build your credit faster than simply using your credit card, though it can also hurt your credit if you stop paying rent.
Disadvantages
Bilt Mastercard is missing some common rewards card features and falls flat on purchases outside the dining and travel categories, among other disadvantages.
Minimum transaction requirement to earn rewards. You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn rewards for that period.
Low rewards rate on most purchases. Even if you clear the transaction threshold, you earn just 1 point per $1 on most purchases. That’s lower than competing credit cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5% back on most purchases) and Citi Double Cash (2% back on all purchases when you pay in full).
No sign-up bonus. Bilt Mastercard has no spend-based sign-up bonus. Many other no-annual-fee rewards cards do, so that’s a notable absence.
No 0% APR introductory offer. Bilt Mastercard also has no 0% APR introductory offer, which is a big downside for new cardholders looking to finance big purchases or pay off high-interest balances from another card.
How Bilt Mastercard Stacks Up
Bilt Mastercard really leans into its rent payment benefits, but if you zoom out, it looks like a fairly typical travel and dining credit card. So before you apply, see how it stacks up against another popular credit card that rewards dining and travel: the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Bilt Mastercard
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Dining Rewards
Unlimited 3x
Unlimited 3x
Travel Rewards
Unlimited 2x
Unlimited 2x or 5x
Base Rewards
1x (limited only on rent)
Unlimited 1x
Double Points Day
Yes
No
Travel Credit
None
$50 on eligible hotels
Sign-Up Bonus
None
Yes
Rent Transaction Fee
None
Yes
Annual Fee
$0
$95
Final Word
Bilt Mastercard is the best credit card to use for rent payments because it waives the customary transaction fee, which can add 2% to 4% to the cost, depending on which payment portal you use. It has some other benefits too, including unlimited 3x rewards on dining purchases and unlimited 2x rewards on travel purchases. And it has no annual fee.
But Bilt Mastercard has some meaningful drawbacks. It lacks a sign-up bonus or 0% APR introductory promotion, and its baseline rewards rate is low. Most important, you have to make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn rewards for that period, which rules out getting it just to use on rent payments or infrequent use in general.
Still, Bilt Mastercard is a contender if you’re a renter in the market for an entry-level rewards credit card.
The Verdict
Our rating
Bilt Mastercard
Regular Rewards Rate: 1x points on most eligible purchases (including rent)
Bonus Rewards Rate: 2x points on travel purchases and 3x points on dining purchases
Annual Fee: $0
Ongoing APR: 20.99%, 23.99%, or 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness
Credit Needed: Average or better
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Brian Martucci writes about credit cards, banking, insurance, travel, and more. When he’s not investigating time- and money-saving strategies for Money Crashers readers, you can find him exploring his favorite trails or sampling a new cuisine. Reach him on Twitter @Brian_Martucci.
Inside: Do you want to make quick money? If so, you’ll love this collection of ways to make cash in one day. Start these tasks and start making extra cash fast.
In today’s world, there are many ways to make quick money in one day.
The internet and technology have created opportunities that were non-existent just a few years ago. You can now make money in your PJs from the comfort of your own home! I do!
We all have those times when we need cash fast. Maybe it’s for an emergency car repair, an unexpected medical bill, or a last-minute plane ticket home.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of ways to make quick money in one day.
We will include some of my personal favorites as well as methods I researched.
In today’s blog post, we will outline the best ways to make quick money in one day.
How can I make immediate money?
If you need immediate money, you need to look for ways to get cash in your hand quickly.
This would be by selling your possessions, participating in focus groups, find a gig job that pays cash tips.
These ideas will get cash in your hand within 24 hours.
How much money can I make in one day?
Many people wonder, “How much money can I make in one day?”
The amount of money you can make in a day depends on a variety of factors, such as your job, side hustles, and financial opportunities.
With a bit of hustle, creativity, and smart financial decisions, it is possible to make up to $1,000 a day.
However, you need to develop a smart strategy for achieving this goal. Investing in education will help you put that money to work growing for you.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
50 best ways to make quick money in one day
Making money quickly is possible with some time and effort.
There are a lot of ways to make quick money in one day. In fact, many ideas center around how to make money online for beginners.
Here are 50 of the best methods that you can use to make some extra cash.
1. Work on freelance projects
Working on freelance projects can help you make quick money in one day by providing you with one-off jobs that can benefit from your skill set.
With the percentage of freelance workers in the workforce climbing steadily, there are many online marketplaces that make it easy to connect with businesses and individuals who need your services.
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal allow you to create a profile and showcase your work, making it easy for you to set your own rates and decide on the length of the project.
Additionally, the more experience you get, the more you can charge and the higher your demand will be, potentially leading to full-time work.
2. Sell items on consignment
Selling items on consignment can help you make quick money by providing an easy, fast way to earn a profit from gently used items.
With consignment shops, you can take your clothes, electronics, jewelry, musical instruments, or even your car to be sold without having to take an active role.
For a cut of the profits, your items will be placed in front of buyers, allowing you to make quick cash.
3. Take on odd jobs
If you’re looking for ways to make money quickly, odd jobs are a great way to do so.
Think of day laborer types of jobs. You can use an app like TaskRabbit to find work in your area.
Some of the common odd jobs you can consider include:
Gardening – you can offer to do gardening work such as weeding, planting, mowing, and trimming.
Furniture Assembly – if you have experience in assembling furniture, you can offer your services to people who need help.
Cleaning – you can offer cleaning services to keep homes and offices tidy.
Painting – you can offer your painting services to those who need help with their walls.
General Handyman Work – if you are good with your hands and have experience in repairing and fixing things, you can offer your services to people who need help.
Moving Gig – people are always looking for help with moving.
4. Trade Options
If done correctly, trading in options can help you make quick money and generate substantial returns in a relatively short period of time.
However, trading options come from experience and should not be taken as a get-rich scheme. Personally, I trade options for a living.
You can make quick money trading options if you know what you’re doing. The key is to identify when the market is going to move in a certain direction and then make the right trades to capitalize on the profits.
Here is the one and only investing course I recommend.
5. Become a rideshare driver
Becoming a rideshare driver can be an easy and convenient way to make money quickly.
All you need to get started is a valid license, active insurance coverage, and an approved vehicle. With Uber and Lyft, you can set your own hours and receive a base rate plus tips and distance or time-based bonuses.
From one of our rideshare drivers, we learned some tricks of the trade such as working in peak hours or in areas with popular nightlife scenes or active airports.
6. Offer house cleaning services
Nowadays, people don’t want to learn their own house, so starting a house cleaning service is a great way to make quick money.
With countless opportunities available online or on local job boards, you can easily find a job that works for you. There are even ways to market yourself so potential customers can find you!
If you have a background in cleaning and don’t mind physical labor, you can make up to $25 an hour or more.
Becoming a housecleaner is a great way to make extra money on the side and you can even make up to $200+ per weekend.
With a bit of effort, you could have a great side-hustle in no time!
7. Rent out your parking spot
If you live in a busy area and have a spot that’s in high demand, you can easily rent out the space for a premium price.
This can be especially profitable if you live near an event center and can offer parking to visitors who don’t want to pay a premium to park in a lot or parking structure. You can put your parking spot to work with services like Just Park or Neighbor.com and earn up to $300 per month.
Renting out your parking spot offers a great way to make extra money while utilizing unused resources or space.
8. Proofread documents
Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a teacher looking for extra income during summer vacation, or someone with a passion for grammar and punctuation, you can make up to $65,000 a year by proofreading documents.
Make sure to take a Free Training Course: Caitlin Pyle offers a free workshop on how to use the most popular proofreading tool and how to become a work-from-home proofreader.
With some hard work and dedication, you can start earning quick money as a proofreader. Good luck!
9. Walk dogs
Walking dogs can be a great way to make some quick money.
Apps like Rover provide pet owners with a platform to find dog walkers in their area and pay for their services.
A dog walker can make $15-18 per 30 minute walk, with occasional bonuses for boarding or pet-sitting. This is a simple way to get your exercise and make cash.
10. Take an online survey
Companies and websites are always looking for consumer feedback in order to improve their products and services, and offer incentives such as cash, rewards, and gift cards for filling out surveys that can take as little as a few minutes.
Popular survey sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks offer these incentives, enabling individuals to make a few quid in just a few minutes of form filling.
Most surveys will only take a few minutes, so you will have to do a bunch to add up to serious cash for your feedback.
Here are the top legit survey platforms:
11. Sell your old junk
Are you looking for an easy way to make some extra money? Why not start by looking around your house and attic/basement for things you no longer use?
You can turn those things into cash by selling them online or having a yard sale.
With a little effort, you can easily make hundreds of dollars by selling your old stuff. It’s a great way to declutter your home and make some extra cash in the process.
Make sure to list your items with attractive descriptions and photos to draw in potential buyers.
12. House sitting
House sitting is a great way to make quick money. It allows you to watch someone’s home while they are away and take care of tasks such as feeding pets, watering plants, and taking out the trash.
You can usually make between $25 to $50 per day depending on the market demand in your area. It’s easy to start, with most sites having a minimum age requirement and a sign-up process that takes only minutes. Payment is typically made when the job is completed.
More importantly, beyond making good money, you are able to housesit in beautiful locations that you may not be able to do otherwise. Personally, this is something I want to start doing.
Build your profile on Trusted Housesitters now.
13. Babysit
Babysitting is a great way to make extra money, especially for those who are looking for flexible jobs that match their availability.
Whether you’re an experienced babysitter or a novice looking to give it a try, there’s no doubt that you’ll find plenty of opportunities available. With a little bit of effort and a lot of dedication, you can make a great living out of babysitting.
Most babysitters earn way more than minimum wage making this a great gig.
14. Deliver food orders
Delivering food orders can make you money quickly by taking advantage of the increasing trend in the popularity of food delivery apps.
With driver-friendly apps like Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats, all you need is an insured vehicle and a smartphone to start delivering food to customers in need.
The pay per delivery can go even further if you work on busier nights like Friday or Saturday. With many apps, you can also choose your own hours and the flexibility to work as much or as little as you’d like. This can be a great way to make some fast cash on the side.
15. Earn money with eBay
eBay is an amazing platform for anyone looking to make some extra money by selling items they don’t use. Whether you’re looking to get rid of an old phone, clothes, or books, eBay is an easy and accessible way to do so.
You can start by selling items you don’t need or don’t use anymore.
You can also consider buying items at a low price with the intention of selling them at a higher price.
If you’re looking to make a full-time income from home, selling items on eBay could be a perfect way. You can start small by buying a thrifty item for a low price and selling it at a much higher price.
With the right knowledge and resources, you can make money on eBay easily. So get started today and watch your earnings grow!
16. Write articles for websites
Writing articles for websites can be a great way to make quick money in one day.
With the increasing amount of new content created daily, business owners often don’t have the time to create content for their websites themselves.
Freelance writers can fill this gap by providing quality content for clients in exchange for payment. Depending on the complexity and length of the article, writers can make anywhere from $25 to $500+ in a single day.
By specializing in a niche, writers can showcase their work as samples to potential clients. Furthermore, writers can establish relationships with other bloggers in their niche, guest blogging, and approach websites in their niche with their writing services to further increase their chances of finding work.
17. Become a pet sitter
Personally, I have a friend who makes money by being a pet sitter and has help from her kids.
With Rover, pet owners in your area can easily find and hire pet sitters for their pets. Dog sitting is the most popular pet sitting activity, and it can earn you around $20-35 for overnight stays.
Plus, you get to decide when and how you want to work, and you can fit it around your own schedule. With the right amount of communication and excellent service, pet owners may even offer you recurring gigs.
18. Participate in focus groups
Participating in a focus group can be a great way to make quick money in one day.
Focus groups are usually based on interesting products or services, and they can pay participants anywhere from $50 to $400 for their time. Not only is it a great way to make money quickly, I have found many focus groups can also be a lot of fun.
The hardest part with focus groups is it is not a steady stream of income as you may not qualify for each opportunity.
19. Do yard work
Just like housecleaning, this is a popular job to be hired out.
Yard work such as basic gardening and landscaping, shoveling snow or salting walkways, and even cleaning gutters can all be done for a fee. Advertising your services through flyers, door knocking, or posting on local job boards can help you find potential customers.
By doing quality work, you can turn this into a weekly gig for quick money.
20. Shop at thrift stores and buy low and sell high
You buy items for a fraction of the cost and resell them for a higher price. For example, you can find brand-name clothing, electronics, antiques, and children’s toys at thrift stores that you can resell on online platforms such as eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.
You can also look for items marked as “free” on the side of the road and spruce them up to sell for a profit.
Shopping at thrift stores can help you make quick money in one day, and with time and experience, you’ll discover which items sell the fastest and for the most money.
To make money flipping items, you must do your research upfront and know how much you can pay for something while still turning a profit. With time and experience, you will learn which items sell the fastest and for the most money.
21. Photography gigs
You can make money with photography in two ways:
Turn your photographs into cash by selling them through stock image websites such as Shutterstock or iStock.
Offer your photography services for family sessions, birthday cake smashes, and even weddings.
Either way, you are able to turn your passionate hobby into a way to easily make a decent income in one day.
22. Participate in sweepstakes
Participating in sweepstakes can help you make quick money in one day by giving you a chance to win big.
Yet, this option comes with a lot of RISK!
There are a variety of competitions and prizes available, ranging from online product giveaways and gift vouchers to big-money TV game shows. You want to look for sweepstakes that are free to participate in and not pay money.
This one ranks up there with the left hand itching principle.
23. Use your Writing Skills
Are you looking to make money with your writing skills? There are lots of opportunities available that pay you to write. From blogging to freelance writing, to reviewing music, you can find the perfect job that allows you to utilize your writing skills and get paid.
You can also make money by helping people refine their writing. If you have a good grasp of grammar and can help people write in a more engaging and structured way, then you can charge for your services.
Publications often hire freelance writers, so that’s another avenue to explore.
No matter what you decide to do, there are plenty of ways to make money with your writing skills – all you have to do is find the right opportunity for you.
24. Become a home staging stylist
Becoming a stylist can help make quick money in one day by offering services to those who are in need of help staging their homes for sale.
Realtors often hire outside help to ensure that the home is presented in an attractive and appealing way, and these services can be provided for an hourly or flat fee.
This is a great part-time gig.
25. Donate plasma
You can make money quickly by donating plasma.
Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains antibodies. It can be used to create medications and other medical products. Plasma donation is a safe procedure that can help people in need.
Typically, you walk out with cash immediately.
Check with your local blood bank or hospital to learn more.
26. Host workshops
Hosting workshops can be a great way to make money in a short period of time. There are endless webinar ideas you can try, such as live-at-home fitness classes, cooking, a writing workshop, an Excel class, nutrition coaching, or even a first-time homebuyer class.
With the rise of video conferencing, it’s easy to set up webinars to teach people your skills and knowledge.
Typically, you will need to build an online presence with a social media following to hold successful workshops.
27. Trade Stocks
Trading stocks can be a lucrative way to make quick money, but it is essential to understand the risks involved.
With the help of online market trading platforms, anyone can start to trade stocks with a minimum amount of money.
Learning how fast you make money with stocks, but realizing you need to learn to trade stocks is like going back to school for a stock trading education.
Although trading stocks has the potential to generate quick money, it is important to note that all trading involves risk and that you should only invest what you can afford.
28. Become a courier
Being a courier is a great option for flexible income, as they allow you to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you’d like.
Think outside the box of UberEats or Instacart. This would likely be for a local business that needs to move documents from location to location.
You will need to be reliable and trustworthy.
29. Deliver Pizza
Even today, this is a classic gig to make quick money by delivering pizza!
Businesses are desperate for workers, so finding a job should be fairly easy. However, be prepared to work more than one day.
30. Repurpose your skills
Those skilled in writing, graphic design, coding, bookkeeping, or any other number of computer-based skills, can use these sites to find freelance jobs that require their skills.
Additionally, those with knowledge or experience in a particular field can create and sell an online course via a platform like Teachable or Podia.
Too often, we overlook the things that we are the best at, yet repurposing your skills us a great wat to make money.
31. Dog groomer
The income potential as a dog groomer is considerable.
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet owners spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022.
Dog grooming is a easy way to make money.
Over to pick up dog poop and you can double how much money you make.
32. Sell your unwanted items
Selling unwanted items on eBay and Amazon can be a great way to make quick money.
By scouring online retailers, local thrift stores, and yard sales for hidden treasures, individuals can find consumer goods for cheap and then resell them for extra profit.
Selling on Amazon also provides an opportunity to source products for fulfillment.
Additionally, apps like LetGo, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace make it even easier to make extra money, as people jump on items quickly.
For those with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, buying items at a low price and then reselling them at a higher price can generate a decent side income.
33. Sell Printables
If you’re creative, you can create and sell digital products like ebooks, courses, templates, and graphics.
Digital downloads are also becoming increasingly popular, as they require no shipping or fulfillment costs and you can easily make them once and sell them hundreds of times over. Depending on the craft and the demand, your potential earning potential can be quite high.
In fact, selling printables is a popular summer jobs for teachers!
So why not give it a shot? With the right strategies, you could start making a few hundred dollars a month with very little effort.
34. Crafts and handmade goods
One of the best ways to make money quickly is by selling crafts and handmade goods on websites like Etsy.
From jewelry and candles to sourdough bread to quilts and custom T-shirts, there is a huge variety of items that you can make and sell. You can also design and sell custom stationery, pillows, tote bags, coasters, cosmetics, and more.
35. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is an online business model that allows entrepreneurs to start an online shop without having to keep a product in stock. Instead, a business makes a sale and then passes the order along to a third party, known as the dropshipper, who ships the product directly to the buyer.
Dropshipping is a great way to make money quickly, as it requires minimal upfront investment and overhead.
With dropshipping, you can add products to your store without having to buy them in bulk, and you don’t need to worry about shipping or fulfilling orders.
36. Affiliate Marketing
Renting out your property can help you make quick money in one day by taking advantage of the services offered by websites like Airbnb.
Affiliate marketing is a way to earn money by promoting other companies’ products or services. You can do this without a website, by sharing affiliate links on social media, a blog, online forums, post comments, and with friends or family.
When someone buys a product or service via unique affiliate link you provide, you get paid a commission.
It is possible to make money quickly if you have a social media following or a website, as you can start promoting all sorts of companies, products, services and offers online.
37. Work for tips
Making money quickly by working for tips may sound intimidating, but it is actually very achievable with a bit of hard work and determination.
Tips are normally paid in cash, which is exactly what you need.
Jobs that pay tips:
Waitstaff
Bartender
Bellman
Drivers
Casino dealer
Golf caddy
Babysitters
Also, many jobs that pay weekly work for tips.
38. Rent out your property
These services allow you to rent out a room, a condo, or your own home if you’re away on vacation.
Airbnb has revolutionized the hotel industry by allowing everyday property owners to lease their place to travelers. By creating an account and listing your property, you can immediately start earning passive income.
With the right location, you can create a steady stream of income that can help you make quick money in one day.
39. Join a MLM
Joining a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) company is one of the most popular ways to make money these days. With an MLM, you can potentially make a lot of money by building a team and earning commissions from their sales.
But you need to be careful and do your research to make sure it’s an opportunity worth pursuing.
MLMs can be profitable, but it can take a lot of time and effort to get them off the ground and make them successful. You need to be prepared to take the time to build your team, train and support them, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
Personally, I have tried making money with an MLM and found out that it was not worth the time or effort.
40. Collect and sell scrap metal
Collecting metal items such as old swing set parts, metal toys, and other bits of metal can be sold at scrap yards or redemption centers for a small sum of money.
Iron, steel, aluminum, brass, and copper are the most commonly traded types of scrap metal, and the prices vary depending on the type and amount of metal.
This is a simple way to make money if you put in the resources. Just don’t steal metal because that can get you in severe trouble.
41. Deliver for Food Delivery Apps
This industry is booming with no signs of slowing down. You can easily make $100 a shift by delivering food!
Sign up for driver-friendly apps such as Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. These apps allow you to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you’d like.
Make sure you have an insured car, truck, bike, scooter, or motorcycle. Depending on what you choose to use, certain apps may have different requirements.
Go to the restaurant and pick up the order. You’ll be paid a flat delivery fee, an additional fee per item ordered, and 100% of the tips customers choose to give you.
Deliver the food to the customer.
Get paid instantly, usually within the same day.
Maximize your earnings by delivering for multiple apps at once. This will give you access to more orders, and a larger area to deliver in.
42. Become A Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are in demand right now.
Consider becoming a virtual assistant with no experience to help small businesses with tasks like scheduling appointments and managing emails.
Typically, small businesses are looking for someone to take a short-term 3-month stint or a long-term relationship.
If you have marketable skills, you will make an outstanding virtual assistant.
43. Cook and deliver food
Cooking and delivering food can make you money in one day, especially since the demand for convenient delivery is increasing.
If you are cooking food on your own, you need to check with your local state and city regulations to see if you are allowed to sell food from a home kitchen. These food regulations are tough, so make sure you comply with these regulations.
However, many busy families are looking for a personal chef and are willing to pay for the service.
44. Trade-In Programs
Trade-in programs are a way for people to get quick money by selling their old phones, tablets, and other electronics. These programs give customers the opportunity to receive cash or gift cards in exchange for their unwanted devices.
You can trade in your own unused or unwanted electronics or for neighbors who don’t want to deal with the hassle themselves.
When selling through a trade-in program, customers are usually asked to provide a description of the device and its condition. The amount of money received depends on the device and its condition.
Plus you are helping the environment by keeping old devices out of landfills.
45. Become a social media influencer
If you have a large following on social media, you can make money by becoming a social media influencer and promoting products or services.
There are a number of ways to make quick money as an influencer. You can promote products or services by posting about them on your social media account.
Obviously, you must thrive using social media.
46. Flipping items on Poshmark
Making money on Poshmark by flipping items can be a great way to make cash.
You can find items to resell from big box retailers, online retailers, local thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. Potential items you can flip for profit include brand-name sneakers, clothing, and purses.
You should also figure out which items sell the quickest and for the most money.
Poshmark also has a “bundling” function which allows you to group similar items together for a discounted amount. This is a great way to make more money as you can sell multiple items in one go.
This platform allows followers, so it is easy to build return buyers.
47. Start a small business or side hustle
Small businesses and side hustles can be a great way to make money quickly. Consider your skills and interests and start something that can help you turn a profit.
No matter how you do it, starting a business can be a great way to make money and meet new people.
Building your side hustle to a full-time income will not happen overnight, but you will make progress with hard work and dedication.
48. Take advantage of Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an online rewards and survey platform that provides numerous opportunities to make money.
With Swagbucks, you can earn money by completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and even shopping online. With each task, you can earn anywhere from $0.40 to $2.00 in SB points which can be redeemed for cash back or gift cards.
Plus, when you sign up, you get a $10 bonus and can even get 500 SBs for referring a friend.
49. Tutoring
Tutoring is a great way to make quick money while using your knowledge and expertise to help others. It involves providing instruction to an individual or a small group on a particular subject, usually to help them improve their understanding.
Tutors can work with students in person or online, depending on the subject and their availability.
No matter your educational background, you can make money tutoring as long as you have a deep knowledge of a subject. With the right resources and platform, you can find tutoring gigs in your area and start making quick money today.
50. Make money with your phone
Making money with your phone is possible with a little bit of effort. You can sign up for apps to complete small tasks and earn money quickly.
Alternatively, there are plenty of mobile apps such as Ibotta, Rakuten, Shopkick, Swagucks, or Receipt Hog which can help you make some extra money with simple tasks.
You can also take on odd jobs through apps like TaskRabbit to make cash.
Finally, you can trade stocks on your phone.
There are so many ways to make money with your phone today.
FAQ
Yes, it is possible to make passive income. This type of income is earned with little effort or direct work.
It can come from investments such as returns and dividends, as well as from sources like stocks, rental properties, and online businesses.
With some creativity and diligence, anyone can create multiple sources of passive income. It may take months or even years to build up these streams of income, but the potential rewards are worth the effort.
Many of the statistics are leaning on the fact that you need a side hustle to make ends meet or get ahead financially.
I started a side hustle to make money to afford what we wanted to do. Personally, my side hustles are blogging and day trading stocks.
The best side hustles are the ones that you are passionate about. More than likely, you will be spending time on them in your free time, so you want to enjoy them.
Regardless of what type of side hustle you choose, you can make extra money on the side. To maximize your earnings, you can even combine several different side hustles together to create multiple income streams.
I always say, if I can make $100 a day, then I am making $3000 a month. That will make a difference in my personal finance situation.
Before you can make $100 a day, you need to find out how you will make money. Look for opportunities that match your skills and interests. Some examples of this include driving for Uber, selling your skills on freelancing sites, creating an online store, or even starting your own blog.
Learn how to invest 100 to make 1000 a day.
When looking to make $1000 fast, you need to up your game – specifically, the time and energy to make your goal happen.
You could start by looking for high-paying side hustles such as trading stocks or options, becoming a freelance writer, setting off as a virtual assistant, or by selling products online.
The key is to make $1k a day consistently. Then, you will be working on how to turn 10k into 100k.
Which Quickest Way to Make Money in a Day Will You Choose?
There are many ways that you can make quick money in one day.
Whether you want to start a side hustle, do some odd jobs, or make money online, which option is best for you?
Whichever option you choose, make sure that you choose something you will enjoy doing as well as the quickest way to make money.
We covered fifty options to make cash and start making extra money today!
Which one is your favorite?
Mine are trading and writing. Comment below on which method you will choose.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
America’s national parks are legendary: You can probably conjure up images of Old Faithful at Yellowstone, El Capitan at Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains without too much trouble. But what you may not realize is that our country’s network of over 400 national parks can also be a terrific, budget-friendly vacation destination.
Planning a road trip to a national park with the family or your BFFs can be an amazing way to see the natural beauty of the U.S. And it’s a popular idea: In 2022, the parks welcomed 312 million visitors, up 5% from the previous year.
By doing some prep work, you can be among those travelers who revel in the iconic landscapes of the parks while having an environmentally friendly, low-cost adventure. Here, you’ll learn the ropes, from advice on destinations to ideas for keeping expenses down.
Cheap National Parks to Visit
Unlike other standard vacation destinations (theme parks, etc.), most national parks don’t charge an entrance fee. Over two-thirds of these sites, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, are free to enter. So the vast majority of these destinations are indeed cheap national parks to visit!
Even if you choose one that does charge, you’ll most likely pay by the carload, like the 7-day pass for your group at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado for $35. The ever-popular Yosemite and Acadia National Parks charge the same fee.
If you want to see which parks charge a fee, check out the National Park Service’s website .
Here’s an important warning, however: During peak times, you may need a reservation simply to drive into a park. You may gain admission if you have another kind of reservation (hotel room, say, or campsite), but double-check. Keep this top of mind if you are thinking you can just cruise on over and take selfies at, say, Half Dome for a day in August. Probably not going to happen without advance planning.
You can also take advantage of fee-free days. The National Park Service selects certain holidays and special occasions each year to offer admission-free entrance to everyone. So, you can visit over 400 sites at no cost in 2023, like on Great American Outdoors Day on August 4.
To find parks conveniently located near you, use the National Park Service’s “Find a Park ” tool online. Then you can compare options and see what type of landscape you’d most like to visit.
Setting a Budget for Visiting National Parks
If you have a vacation in mind, you might have already started budgeting for it. Saving money for a trip is an important step and allows you to explore the world guilt-free. But to make the most out of your visit to a national park, you need to know exactly what type of costs to expect. That way, you never have to worry about not having enough money on hand to enjoy yourself.
Here are some expenses you should account for in your national parks budget.
Food & Drink
Saving money on a road trip is often challenging since you don’t have all your basic necessities ready at your disposal. That includes food and drink, whether your style is more drive-through or sit-down dining or “I’m happy to cook for myself.” You’ll need to factor the cost of meals into your travel budget.
One budget-smart option is to rent a cabin with a kitchen. With that, you can pick up groceries once you arrive and cook your meals instead of ordering out. That’s a big savings right there!
You may not be the type to cook on vacation, though. If not, you can look for affordable options near you for meals. But keep in mind: You’ll need to budget for your three meals a day, plus you’ll probably want some water and a snack here and there, lots of liquids to fuel you on hikes, and perhaps to go out for a beer or two one evening. There will likely be taxes and possibly tips involved. See how it all adds up and what you can afford.
One very dollar-smart move to stay well-fed and not blow your budget: Use a backpack cooler. If you want to spend your days hiking and walking, you’re going to get thirsty and hungry pretty quickly. You can load a cooler up with protein bars, nuts, apples, and granola, preventing you from buying potentially pricey food throughout the day.
Gas & Travel
When it comes to the expense of traveling to national parks, the nice news is that a destination might be closer than you think. Many of us hear the phrase “national park” and think of large, sweeping spots in the West, like the Grand Canyon. But that’s just one iconic site. There are actually hundreds of places in the U.S. under the National Park Service’s care, from historic sites to scenic trails. So you may not have to plan out a cross-country trip to enjoy what this country has to offer.
However, if you have to travel a significant distance, why not whittle your transportation costs? For example, if you need to fly, it can pay to be flexible with your dates and look for the lowest possible fare. Sites like Expedia and Kayak can notify you when prices drop on flights you are interested in. Another smart move is to pack light so you won’t pay those ouch-inducing baggage fees.
Perhaps you’re driving to your destination, though. If you want to improve gas mileage and get the most out of your trip, try to choose a park that isn’t isolated. For example, there are multiple national parks near Las Vegas, such as Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park, which are about two and a quarter hours apart. Once you’re at Zion, you might decide to hop over to Bryce Canyon National Park, barely an hour and a half away, and see the incredible rock formations known as hoodoos.
You’ll be able to visit multiple parks without too much drive time, save money on gas, and see all the more spectacular sights. It may be the best way to travel around America on a budget.
Recommended: Guide to Renting a Car
Lodging
You know the law of supply and demand: When demand is high, supply gets scarce — and potentially pricey. With that in mind, note that the peak season for visiting national parks is summer. Kids are off from school, temperatures are warmer, and international travelers may visit our lovely landscapes. So that means bigger crowds, which impacts local lodging. It will be harder to find accommodations, and their prices will be higher, too.
Because of this, it’s best to book your lodging in advance so you don’t get shut out of affordable rooms. National Parks have a wide range of accommodations; during spring 2023 at Yosemite, for instance, rooms ranged from $101 to $500+ a night. A location farther out from the park will be cheaper as well. Those who accumulate points on a travel credit card may find lodging nearby at a discount.
Of course, that’s not your only option. You can also rent an RV or stay at a campground. If you choose to camp, check to see if you need a reservation. At national parks, the average price is around $20 per night, though prices can range from $5 to $30 or so. These sites usually offer electricity hookups, water, camp stores, and fire rings. Research what your campground offers to help plan out your packing needs. If you snag one of these spots at a free-admission park and already have tents and other gear on hand, congrats! You may have scored one of the cheapest national park visits to be found.
Activities and Entertainment
If you have never visited a national park before, you might not know what they offer. While part of their appeal is just being in the great outdoors and soaking in the views, you also have activities available to you. There may be anything from guided walks and museums to talks and films, and they all typically come at no extra cost. It can be a great way to learn about local wildlife, fossils, history, and more.
In addition to that, you might seek other activities. For instance, if you are visiting Florida’s Everglades National Park, perhaps you want to go on a kayak adventure with a guide. It can be a terrific way to see the mangroves and sawgrass marshes the area is famous for. That will be an additional cost to keep in mind.
There’s also every chance that you may pass all kinds of mini-golf, waterparks, multiplexes, and other attractions as you explore the area near a national park. If a vacation isn’t a vacation without indulging in these offerings, factor that into your budget, too.
Permits & Passes
Again, most parks are available to the public for free. But if you want to visit multiple national parks, consider opting for a National Park Annual Pass. It typically costs $80 ($20 for seniors) and gives you unlimited entrance to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, such as national parks.
Recommended: How Credit Card Travel Insurance Works
Saving for Your Travel
Saving up for your trip can be pretty straightforward. One way is to set up a dedicated travel fund. Separating your vacation money from your regular savings account will make your progress that much easier to track. You can also maximize your savings by setting up automatic contributions to your travel fund. That way, you never forget to put in a few dollars on payday.
If that sounds appealing, you need to pick the correct type of account. Some options, like a high yield bank account, promise higher interest rates than your standard version. However, your choice will depend on your timeline. For example, someone taking a trip in a year has more time to accrue interest than someone taking a trip within a few months.
Let’s say you don’t have much time, though. Even if you can’t build much in the way of interest, you can still find extra cash in your life. You might need to budget a bit differently. For example, if you have a streaming service membership, you can cancel that for a while. Or perhaps you can pick up a side hustle on the weekends, whether that means driving for a rideshare service or walking dogs.
The Takeaway
Vacations are a time to relax, enjoy yourself, and make memories with your loved ones. The last thing you need is for that time away to leave you deeply in debt and saddled with stress. That’s why a trip to a national park can be such a terrific destination: You’ll explore the great outdoors but can do so without breaking the bank, thanks to low fees, free activities, and the smart saving advice you learned here.
Are you considering a week wandering around Yellowstone? Or maybe a weekend at a nearby park? Or just looking to stash some cash while you figure things out? We’re here for you! SoFi Checking and Savings offers eligible accounts a competitive APY. That means your money grows faster. And we are devoted to being account fee-free, with no monthly or minimum-balance charges.
Let SoFi help you afford your next adventure sooner.
FAQ
Is it expensive to visit national parks?
In many cases, it’s a more affordable vacation than other options. Over two-thirds of national parks offer free admission year-round. Plus, there are many throughout the country, meaning you can pick one that’s close and may not have to spend much on travel costs. The main expenses will come from your lodging, food, and additional activities.
How many days should you spend at a national park?
The length of your stay should depend on the type of itinerary you want to build and the size of the park you are visiting. There are many itineraries for Yosemite online that involve staying three to five days, but you could certainly spend much longer or shorter periods of time. Worth noting: Some smaller parks and historic sites may not be open every day. Larger parks may close due to weather events. Always check in with a park (either online or by calling) beforehand.
How much does it cost on average to visit a national park?
Most national parks are free. The National Park Service allows you to see the entrance rates for each fee-charging national park. Use their listings to see if the park you want to visit charges an entrance fee. The per-vehicle prices are often between $20 to $35 for seven days.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 4/25/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners. External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. SOCC0323047
Sign-up Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points (worth $200 when redeemed for cash) when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.
Regular Rewards Rate: Unlimited 1x point on eligible purchases
Bonus Rewards Rate: Unlimited 3x points on eligible purchases at restaurants, travel vendors, gas and EV charging stations, transit providers (including rideshare), popular streaming services, and phone plans
Annual Fee: $0
Intro APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases, then variable APR applies (currently 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74%)
Lots of rewards credit cards pick a lane and stick with it. They offer bonus cash back or points on purchases at restaurants, or vehicle fueling stations, or travel vendors — but not all three.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a little different, in a good way. It pays bonus rewards points on restaurant, fuel, and travel purchases, plus purchases in three more popular spending categories. Which makes it one of the better credit cards for everyday spending.
Like every credit card, the Autograph Card has some downsides and isn’t appropriate for everyone. So before you rush to apply, review its most important features and make sure it really does work for you.
What Is the Wells Fargo Autograph Card?
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a rewards credit card that earns 3 points per $1 spent on purchases in six spending categories:
Restaurants
Travel
Gas and EV charging
Transit (including ride-hailing services like Uber)
Popular streaming services
Phone plans
The Autograph Card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fee. It has two enticing features for new cardholders as well: a generous spend-based sign-up bonus and 0% intro purchase APR for 12 months from account opening.
What Sets the Wells Fargo Autograph Card Apart?
While it’s a stretch to call the Autograph Card unique, it does have a few notable selling points:
Lots of 3x rewards categories. The Autograph Card has six 3x rewards categories. Most are quite broad: travel, transit, and restaurants, for example. And the narrower ones, like popular streaming services and phone plans, are still quite popular.
Impressive lineup of value-added benefits. For a no-annual-fee credit card, the Autograph Card has an impressive lineup of value-added benefits. Notables include complimentary cell phone protection and premium perks at properties in the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, which is usually reserved for cards with annual fees.
Easily attainable sign-up bonus. The Autograph Card’s sign-up bonus isn’t worth a fortune, but it’s easy for even moderate spenders to attain.
Key Features of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a well-rounded rewards credit card with an above-average sign-up bonus, a generous rewards program, and no annual fee.
Sign-up Bonus
Earn 20,000 bonus points (worth $200 when redeemed for cash) when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.
Earning Rewards
The Autograph Card earns unlimited 3 points per $1 spent on purchases in six spending categories:
Restaurants, including dining in, takeout, delivery, and catering
Travel, including airfare, hotel bookings, car rentals, and cruises
Gas and EV charging, including nonfuel purchases at stations
Local transportation (transit), including public transportation, ride-hailing, parking, and road tolls
Popular streaming services, including video and audio streaming
Phone plans, including cell and landline services
All other eligible purchases earn unlimited 1 point per $1 spent. There’s no limit to how much you can earn and rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Redeeming Rewards
The best way to redeem is for statement credits against prior eligible purchases. The minimum redemption for this method is $1.
You can also redeem for gift cards from dozens of major vendors, starting at $25. However, you must redeem in $25 increments, so this isn’t the most efficient option.
Finally, you can redeem for travel purchased through Wells Fargo, including flights, car rentals, and hotel stays. If you don’t have enough rewards to cover the full cost of your booking, you can combine points and cash.
0% APR Introductory Promotion
Purchases made during the first 12 months accrue no interest (0% APR). After that, variable regular APR applies — currently 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74%, depending on prevailing rates and your creditworthiness.
There’s no corresponding balance transfer promotion. Balance transfers accrue interest at the regular APR from day one.
Additional Benefits
The Autograph Card has an impressive lineup of additional benefits. Highlights include:
Cell phone protection. This benefit is worth up to $600 per claim, less a $25 deductible, when you pay your cell phone bill in full with your Autograph Card. Earning 3x rewards on phone plan payments should incentivize you to do just that.
Free FICO scores and tracking. Wells Fargo’s Credit Close-up feature provides monthly FICO score updates with personalized insights. It’s a functional alternative to a paid credit monitoring service.
Luxury Hotel Collection benefits. When you stay at any of the hundreds of Luxury Hotel Collection properties worldwide, you’re entitled to complimentary benefits like free or discounted meals, resort fee credits, equipment rentals, and more. Benefits vary by property and you do still need to pay for your room, but you could save several hundred dollars total on a multiday stay.
Important Fees
The Autograph Card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fee. Balance transfers cost the greater of $5 or 3% of the transfer amount for 120 days from account opening, then jump to 5% of the transfer amount.
Credit Required
The Autograph Card requires good to excellent credit. If your credit score is below 700, you may have trouble getting approved.
Advantages
The Autograph Card’s biggest advantages revolve around its expansive rewards program, to include its sign-up bonus. There’s more to like about this card too.
Earn $200 as a sign-up bonus. The Autograph Card has an above-average sign-up bonus with a very manageable spend requirement over three months. Most new cardholders will have no trouble earning it.
12 months at 0% APR on purchases. The Autograph Card has a 0% intro APR on purchases for a full year from account opening. While not as long as some competing cards, this is long enough to avoid interest on purchases much larger than you can afford to pay off all at once.
Six 3x rewards categories, most of which are broad. The Autograph Card’s broad 3x rewards categories set it apart from most other no-annual-fee rewards cards. Restaurants, travel, local transportation, streaming, phone plans — you get it all with this card.
No annual fee. The Autograph Card has no annual fee. This is a big advantage if you don’t plan to use it as your primary credit card.
No foreign transaction fee. The Autograph Card charges no fees for international transactions. This is a benefit both for folks who regularly travel abroad and those who buy stuff from international merchants.
Lots of additional benefits, like cell phone protection. The Autograph Card has a broad lineup of value-added benefits that come at no direct cost to cardholders. Some competing no-annual-fee cards lack complimentary cell phone protection, for example, and few offer Luxury Hotel Collection benefits.
Disadvantages
The Autograph Card has few notable downsides, but a couple bear mention. In particular, you’ll want to make sure the rewards program aligns with your spending habits.
Low baseline rewards rate. The Autograph’s baseline rewards rate is just 1 point per $1 spent — a 1% return on spending. Plenty of no-annual-fee rewards cards do better than that, offering 1.5% or even 2% back on base spending.
Some important categories missing from the 3x tier. The Autograph Card has six 3x rewards categories, most of them broad. But this tier is missing some important ones, notably groceries.
No 0% APR intro offer on balance transfers. The Autograph Card’s intro purchase APR isn’t matched by a corresponding balance transfer offer. That’s a shame because many competing rewards credit cards package both together.
How the Wells Fargo Autograph Card Stacks Up
The Autograph Card is just one of several rewards credit cards that earn above-average returns on restaurant, travel, and local transportation purchases.
One of its best-known competitors is the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, which earns 3% cash-back on eligible U.S. gas station purchases. Before you apply for either, see how they compare.
Wells Fargo Autograph
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Local Transportation Rewards
3x rewards on gas and EV charging purchases, 3x rewards on local transit purchases
3% cash back on U.S. gas station purchases, 3% back on local transit purchases
Other Bonus Categories
3x rewards on restaurant, travel, popular streaming, and phone plan purchases
6% cash back on up to $6,000 in U.S. supermarket purchases each year (1% thereafter), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
Welcome Offer
Yes
Yes (terms apply)
Credit Required
Good – Excellent
Excellent
Annual Fee
$0
$0 in the first year, then $95
Final Word
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card has an unusually generous rewards program, an above-average sign-up bonus, and a strong (if not category-leading) 0% intro APR offer on purchases — all with no annual fee.
In other words, the Autograph Card has a lot going for it. But has a few flaws too. Notably, its baseline rewards rate is low (just 1%) and it has no introductory balance transfer offer, which is a big selling point for some competing cards.
You’ll have to decide whether Autograph’s negatives outweigh its positives. For more would-be cardholders, the answer is “no,” but you’re the only one who can say for sure.
The Verdict
Our rating
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Sign-up Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points (worth $200 when redeemed for cash) when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.
Regular Rewards Rate: Unlimited 1x point on eligible purchases
Bonus Rewards Rate: Unlimited 3x points on eligible purchases at restaurants, travel vendors, gas and EV charging stations, transit providers (including rideshare), popular streaming services, and phone plans
Annual Fee: $0
Intro APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases, then variable APR applies (currently 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74%)
Credit Needed: Good – Excellent
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Brian Martucci writes about credit cards, banking, insurance, travel, and more. When he’s not investigating time- and money-saving strategies for Money Crashers readers, you can find him exploring his favorite trails or sampling a new cuisine. Reach him on Twitter @Brian_Martucci.