There’s a saying that you should always read the fine print, and the same applies when it comes to a gym membership. If you’ve been thinking about joining Planet Fitness, here’s an explanation of how much a gym membership costs, what perks are included and the fine print to keep in mind.
What is Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness is a gym with over 2,500 fitness centers. The chain provides a range of fitness equipment and services people can use to exercise and meet fitness goals.
How much does a Planet Fitness membership cost?
Planet Fitness has two main membership tiers: the Classic and the PF Black Card. Before signing up, keep in mind that you may be required to commit for 12 months. You must be a minimum of 18 years old to enroll, but 13- to 17-year-olds can join with a parent or guardian.
When considering the cost of a Planet Fitness membership, keep in mind that there is an annual fee of $49. You pay the annual fee in addition to the monthly membership fees.
Classic membership
This is the basic membership, and it starts at $10 a month before taxes and fees. You get unlimited access to your home club but can’t go to other locations. Perks include access to Planet Fitness app workouts and partner rewards and discounts.
The Classic membership may be ideal for people who are likely to go to the same gym each time they work out. It may also be good for people who just want to put their head down and exercise and don’t need extras.
PF Black Card membership
This is the second tier Planet Fitness offers, and there are far more perks. The PF Black Card membership starts at $24.99 a month before taxes and fees and comes with all the benefits mentioned above and more, including:
The ability to bring one guest.
Access to any Planet Fitness gym worldwide.
Access to equipment like tanning, massage chairs and hydromassage.
Use of Total Body Enhancement, a machine that combines red light therapy and vibration to produce various health and cosmetic benefits.
50% off select drinks.
Premium access to partner rewards and discounts.
If you have a sporadic schedule or travel often, this tier may be ideal since you’ll have access to multiple branches. People who enjoy having a workout buddy could also benefit since you can bring a plus one. Likewise, if you live with someone, be it a partner or roommate, you could split the cost of the gym membership and save a few extra dollars.
You can upgrade your membership from Classic to PF Black Card online or ask for assistance when you’re at the gym. Downgrading is also possible, but you’ll have to do that in person.
Also, if you usually use your credit card for payments to get those extra benefits, note that most Planet Fitness branches accept payments through checking accounts only.
Other perks that come with a membership
There are multiple amenities members can enjoy at Planet Fitness. These perks are available to all members, whether they’re at the PF Black Card or Classic.
Free fitness training
Some people want to use a personal trainer but can’t afford to because it’s not within their budget. Planet Fitness has a competitive edge there since they offer free fitness training. And you don’t have to be a PF Black Card member to access the training.
Trainers can be used as often as you need them. The first step is to sign up through the Planet Fitness mobile app or on your gym’s website. If you’d rather do it in person, go to the front desk at your local fitness location to sign up.
Customized workout plan
Some people feel overwhelmed when they’re in the gym because they aren’t sure which workouts or equipment will help them reach their fitness goals. Planet Fitness offers customized workout plans for all members that include a meeting with a certified trainer to chat about fitness goals, medical background and exercise history.
Group training sessions and group classes
Working out with others can be more motivating than working out alone. Planet Fitness offers group training sessions for members, including classes for upper and lower body, core and stretching.
Sign up for group training sessions online using the pre-booking feature or show up at class time to see if there’s space available. Every Planet Fitness location offers between 11 and 14 small group training sessions per day, which means you might be able to catch one even if you’re working 9 to 5.
Free Wi-Fi
It can be nice to have access to Wi-Fi at the gym to watch a show while on the treadmill or follow along to a fitness video. All Planet Fitness members and guests have access to free Wi-Fi, in case that’s an important perk for you.
Gym workouts via the Planet Fitness app
On days you can’t make it to the gym, members have access to a range of free workouts on the Planet Fitness app. These workouts can also be helpful for people who don’t know what exercises to do at the gym and want to follow along to a workout solo.
Referral program
Looking to save money on your gym membership? Planet Fitness has a referral program that can cut up to three months of membership fees each year. You get a free month for each person you refer who joins, but there’s a cap of three people. The referred friend can also join with $1 down and no commitment, which gives them flexibility in case they decide Planet Fitness isn’t for them.
How to cancel a Planet Fitness membership
There isn’t a uniform way to cancel a Planet Fitness membership — the cancellation process is different at each club. For most locations, you’ll have to go in person and cancel the membership, although there are a few that allow you to cancel by mail or online. For some people, this is a hassle, so that’s something to consider before signing up.
Another detail that could impact your cash flow is the timing of your cancellation. To avoid being billed the annual membership fee, you need to cancel by the 25th of the month prior to the annual fee date. Also, those who cancel before they’ve completed their minimum commitment will pay a $58 buyout fee.
Be mindful of these cancellation clauses. It can be easy to repeatedly forget to cancel your membership and end up paying for a membership you aren’t using.
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The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card launched in March 2024 as a higher-tier alternative to the $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey has a $95 annual fee, but earns higher rewards rates in certain categories and offers additional perks, including an annual airfare credit and trip cancellation reimbursement.
Here are the card’s benefits:
Spending rewards
1. High ongoing rates
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey earns:
5 points per $1 on hotels.
4 points per $1 on airlines.
3 points per $1 on other travel and dining.
1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
2. A sign-up bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
3. A variety of redemption options
Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards or merchandise. You can also pay with points at participating merchants, or transfer points to Wells Fargo’s travel partners (more on that below).
Travel benefits
4. Airline statement credit
Get a $50 statement credit each year for an airline purchase of at least $50. This is automatically applied to your account when you make an eligible purchase.
5. Transfer partners
Starting April 2024, Wells Fargo adds the ability to transfer points to partnering airline and hotel loyalty programs, including:
You can transfer your points at a 1:1 value to most of these partners (the exception is Choice Privileges, where points transfer at a 1:2 ratio).
Travel and shopping protections
6. Travel protection
Get reimbursed up to $15,000 if your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason. This benefit covers you and your travel companions for costs including unused transportation, lodging, and tour and activity fees. You can also get reimbursed for travel nightmares like lost baggage.
7. Cell phone protection
Use the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey to pay your cell phone bill and get reimbursed up to $1,000 per claim (with a limit of two claims per year) if your cell phone is damaged or stolen.
The Federal Reserve’s recent data says the average credit card interest rate is 21.47%, which is a high number by most standards. If you never carry a balance or take out cash advances, it may not be a big deal for you, but if you do, it’s worth paying attention to the average credit interest rate. Doing so could help you anticipate and potentially budget for increased interest payments.
Here, you’ll learn more about credit card interest rates and how they can impact your financial life.
What Is the Average Credit Card Interest Rate?
The average interest rate for credit cards is 21.47%, as mentioned above, as of the start of 2024. Rates have been steadily increasing in recent years — in November 2021, the average rate for credit cards was 14.51%, and back in November 2017, for example, it was 13.16%.
Keep in mind, however, that the interest rate for your credit card could be higher or lower than this average depending on factors such as your credit profile, given how credit cards work. So what’s a good annual percentage rate (APR) for you may be different from what a good APR for a credit card is for someone else, as you’ll learn in more detail below.
Interest Rates by Credit Quality Types
Credit card interest rates, or the APR on a credit card, tend to vary depending on an applicant’s credit score. The average interest rate for credit cards tends to increase for those who have lower credit scores, according to the CFPB’s most recent Consumer Credit Card Market Report.
The report measures what’s called an effective interest rate — meaning, the total interest charged to a cardholder at the end of the billing cycle.
Credit Quality
Effective Interest Rate
Deep subprime (a score of 579 or lower)
23%
Subprime (a score of 580-619)
22%
Near prime (a score of 620-659)
20%
Prime (a score of 660-719)
18%
Prime plus (a score of 720-799)
15%
Super prime (800-850)
9%
What this table shows is that the lower your credit score, the more you will be paying in interest on balances you have on your credit cards (meaning, any amount that remains after you make your credit card minimum payment).
Keep in mind that these rates don’t include any fees that may also apply, such as those for balance transfers or late payments, which can further increase the cost of borrowing.
Recommended: Revolving Credit vs. Line of Credit, Explained
Interest Rates by Credit Card Types
Interest rates may vary depending on the type of credit card you carry. In general, platinum or premium credits have a higher APR — cards with higher interest rates tend to come with better features and benefits.
Type
APR Range
No annual fee credit card
20.64% – 27.65%
Cash back credit card
21.06% – 27.78%
Rewards credit card
20.91% – 28.15%
Prime Rate Trend
The prime rate is the interest rate that financial institutions use to set rates for various types of loans, such as credit cards. Most consumer products use the prime rate to determine whether to raise, decrease, or maintain the current interest rate. That’s why for credit cards, you’ll see the rates are variable, meaning they can change depending on the prime rate.
As of March 6, 2024, the prime rate is 8.50%. On March 17, 2022, the prime rate was 3.50%. This can be considered an example of how variable this rate can be.
Delinquency Rate Trend
Credit card delinquency rates apply to accounts that have outstanding payments or are at least 90 days late in making payments. These rates have fluctuated based on various economic conditions. In many cases, rates are higher in times of financial duress, such as during the financial crisis in 2009, when it was at 6.61%.
As economic conditions rebound or the economy builds itself up, delinquency rates tend to go down, as consumers can afford to make on-time payments. According to the Federal Reserve, the delinquency rate for the fourth quarter in 2023 was 3.20%, up from 2.34% a year earlier and 1.63% for the same time period in 2021. This may be due to the pandemic, when consumers were more wary of discretionary spending or from negotiating payment plans with creditors.
Credit Card Debt Trend
Credit card debt has risen from its previous levels of $926 billion in 2019 and $825 billion at the end of 2020. It has climbed to $1.129 trillion for the fourth quarter of 2023, a new high.
This shows an ongoing surge in credit card debt, and these statistics can make individual cardholders think twice about their own balance and how to lower it.
Recommended: How Does Credit Card Debt Forgiveness Work?
Types of Credit Card Interest Rates
Credit cards have more than one type of interest rate. The credit card interest rate that applies may differ depending on how you use your card.
Purchase APR
The purchase APR is the interest rate that’s applied to balances from purchases made anywhere that accepts credit card payments. For instance, if you purchase a pair of sneakers using your credit card, you’ll be charged the purchase APR if you carry a balance after the statement due date.
Balance Transfer APR
A balance transfer APR is the interest rate you’ll be charged if you move a balance from one credit card to another. Many issuers offer a low introductory balance transfer APR for a predetermined amount of time.
Penalty APR
A penalty APR can kick in if you’re late on your credit card payment. This rate is usually higher than the purchase APR and can be applied toward future purchases as long as your account remains delinquent. This is why it’s always critical to make your credit card payment, even if you’re in the midst of requesting a credit card chargeback, for instance.
Cash Advance APR
A cash advance has its own separate APR that gets triggered when you use your card at an ATM or bank to withdraw cash, or if you use a convenience check from the issuer. The APR tends to be higher than the purchase APR.
Introductory APR
An introductory APR is an APR that’s lower than the purchase APR and that applies for a set amount of time. Introductory APRs may apply to purchases, balance transfers, or both.
For instance, you may get a 0% introductory APR for purchases you make for the first 18 months of account opening. After that, your APR will revert to the standard APR. (Note that the end of the introductory APR is completely unrelated to your credit card expiration date.)
Factors That Affect Interest Rate
When you apply for a credit card, you may notice that your interest rate is different from what was advertised by the issuer. That’s because there are several factors that affect your interest rate, which can make it higher or lower than the average credit card interest rate.
Credit Score
Your credit score determines how risky of a borrower you are, so your interest rate could reflect your creditworthiness. Lenders tend to charge higher interest rates for those who have lower scores. Your credit score can also influence whether your credit limit is above or below the average credit card limit.
Credit Card Type
The type of credit card may affect how much you could pay in interest. Different types of credit cards include:
• Travel rewards credit cards
• Student credit cards
• Cash-back rewards credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
Most likely, the more features you get, the higher the interest rate could be. Student credit cards may have lower interest rates, but that may not always be the case. That’s why it’s best to check the APR range of credit cards you’re interested in before submitting an application.
The Takeaway
The current average credit card interest rate is 21.47%, according to data from the Federal Reserve. However, your rate could be higher or lower than the average APR for credit cards based on factors such as your creditworthiness and the type of card you’re applying for. Your best bet is to pay off your entire balance each month on your credit card so you don’t have to worry about how high the interest rate for a credit card may be. That way, you can focus on features you’re interested in.
With whichever credit card you may choose, it’s important to understand its features and rates and use it responsibly.
Whether you’re looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it’s important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.
FAQ
What is the average credit card interest rate?
The average interest rate for credit cards is 21.47%, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve for the fourth quarter of 2023.
How do you get a low credit card interest rate?
You may be able to get a low credit card interest rate by building your credit score, as this will encourage lenders to view you as less risky. Otherwise, you can also aim to get a credit card with a low introductory rate, though these offers are generally reserved for those with good credit. Even if the APR is temporary, it could be beneficial depending on your financial goals.
What is a bad APR rate?
A bad APR is generally one that is well above the average credit card interest rate. However, what’s a good or bad APR for you will depend on your credit score as well as what type of card you’re applying for.
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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.
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For Moriello, she previously explained why it’s fairly easy for existing clients — including forward mortgage borrowers — already served by the company to be flagged as potential reverse mortgage customers once they reach the age of eligibility. For the HECM program, a company professional could look into their customer relationship management (CRM) software and see when a client could potentially qualify for a reverse mortgage.
“Any loan officer can run a report in their own database to calculate when someone’s date of birth hits that prime age [for a reverse mortgage],” Moriello said.
While some may think that certain technology tools are either forward-specific or reverse-specific, Moriello says that the tools at her company are often interchangeable by forward and reverse professionals.
Still, there are advantages to being a lender that is active in both forward and reverse, she explained.
“I feel like, as a loan officer that can look at all products and decide to show the client what different products — like a home equity line, a forward mortgage or a reverse mortgage — can do for them, it gives me the unique opportunity to present all products to them at the same time,” she explained. “[It helps me] give them an understanding about how each product would serve them.”
2024 HECM limit
On Jan. 1, the limit for HECM loans was increased to $1,149,825 by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Loan originators who have spoken with RMD on the topic generally find the increase welcome, but they do not feel that the higher limit is a “game-changer” when it comes to new business this year.
Moriello thinks it could be potentially beneficial overall.
“It’s absolutely a consideration,” she said. “I’m in the Northeast, so the higher the dollar amount, the better. I had a conversation [with a borrower] where we were talking through the benefits of taking out a HECM line of credit [for] future planning, [including] the growth rate tied to the HECM line credit.”
Still, despite the potential utility of a higher HECM limit, there are still some product gaps that the proprietary market could serve for people with higher-value homes, she said.
“When I sat down with this borrower, I realized I’ve got to run both the HECM and the proprietary for this client due to the value of the home,” she said. “I wish that we had a proprietary product that had more of a growth-rate line-of-credit option more similar to the HECM.”
Receptivity of referral partners, clients
When asked about openness to reverse mortgages from business referral partners and borrowers, Moriello explained that getting a curt “no thanks” is still common. But for those who might find a benefit in a reverse mortgage, they’re more open of late to explore the possibility.
“More often than not, these high-level professionals are looking for options for their clients,” she said, “whether those options are to help them buy a new home, to live a better life with more assets in retirement, or to help them get a non-taxable stream of cash flow to help them in retirement. They’re looking at opportunities.”
Certain longstanding issues have not gone away, including a perception by some financial planners that makes them feel reverse mortgages are not an option that can even be explored, let alone discussed. But modern classes of financial planners generally seem to be more open to conversations, based on Moriello’s conversations.
“These financial planners are much higher caliber and quality than I’ve ever seen before, but yet the understanding of the compliance behind it causes them to have to take a step back,” she said. “And sometimes they feel they can’t even talk about a reverse mortgage. It’s not as often as it used to be, which is a good thing.”
Spending speed
As for what’s fueling these greater levels of openness, Moriello said it could come from a lot of places, but the speed with which clients are burning through money today is a clear possibility.
“I know from what I can see, it is absolutely tied to how fast people are going through money,” she said. “I can absolutely see that these professionals are worried that their folks are going to run out of money.
“We were just talking here in the office about our own electric bills, which have effectively doubled in our area. That’s one thing when you’re still working, but what happens when you’re on a fixed income?”
That puts far more pressure on fixed-income retirees, which could lead to conversations about tapping into home equity, she said.
“What that means is folks need to take more money out of retirement than they ever have before, and the financial professionals are looking at understanding that. So, they’re looking at options to help them extend the life of their assets so that they can continue to live well in retirement.”
Paying bills is one of those forever things in life. But between the sheer number of bills for the month—rent or mortgage payment, car payment, utilities, credit cards—and the different ways to pay them, it can be tough to keep track of it all.
Making timely payments, though, is essential. Paying bills on time can mean avoiding late fees, higher interest rates, and dings to your credit score. In fact, your payment history—or how often you pay your bills on time—makes up the biggest portion of your credit score.
Fortunately, learning how to pay bills on time is often just a matter of getting organized and setting up a bill payment schedule. Try these tips and tricks to make missing bill due dates a thing of the past.
Take stock of all your monthly bills
First things first: You need to make a list of your bills for the month. Comb through your credit card and bank statements, and even your credit reports, to find typical payment amounts for your rent, utilities, loans, and credit cards. And don’t forget to look for more irregularly scheduled bills, like car insurance or subscription renewals.
Next, record the bills on a spreadsheet, in a budgeting app, or using any “method that will keep you organized and help you pay your bills on time,” says Dan Herron, a CFP® and certified public accountant. Be sure to include payments that are automatically paid out of your checking account or billed to your credit card. For each bill, write down:
Even if you’re a budgeting whiz, there may come a day when you can’t afford to pay all of your bills on time. That’s why you should also organize monthly bills by payment priority.
Using the above list, sort your bills into two groups: higher and lower priority. High-priority bills are for basic needs like shelter, transportation to work, and health insurance, or those that generally must be paid in full. Lower-priority bills are those that are important but offer some flexibility—for example, the ability to make a minimum payment (as is the case for a credit card) or to extend your payment due date.
Now you have a categorization system to help you make smart decisions about how to pay bills during times when you’re short on money.
Optimize your payment schedules
Once you have a monthly bills checklist, you can create a bill payment schedule that turns a slew of payment due dates and methods into a more streamlined system for how to pay bills. Here’s how to create one.
Group bills by due date
Many bills are due around the same time. Go through your monthly bills checklist and group them based on due date similarity.
Change your bill due dates
Some creditors allow you to change your regular bill due date. If you have many bills due at the beginning of the month, you may want to move some to the end of the month for better cash flow (for example, instead of paying a bill on Oct. 1, see if you can move it up to Sept. 30.) Update your bill payment schedule if you make any changes.
Add due dates to a calendar
Once you have your bills organized by due date, add them to a digital calendar and set payment reminders for a week before each bill is due, Herron says.
How to organize your bills
Staying organized is the best way to pay bills each month. What works best for you won’t be exactly the same as for someone else, but there are guidelines for how to pay bills most efficiently.
Create a bill ‘drop zone’
Rather than tossing your paper bills onto an already teetering pile of mail, keep unpaid bills in a dedicated file folder or basket. For electronic bills, create a digital folder for unpaid bills in your email, on your desktop, or in a cloud storage system. Once you’ve paid a bill, move it from the unpaid folder into a paid folder for that month or year, Herron says.
Automate as much as possible
The bill pay feature in your Discover® Cashback Debit account can make paying bills a snap. While automating all your bills comes with the risk of overdrawing your checking account—be sure you have overdraft protection or a connected savings account, Herron says.
Checking with cash back and no monthly fees
Discover Bank, Member FDIC
Decide when to pay your bills
Figure out how to pay bills that won’t be automatically paid from your checking account. Will you pay them when they come due or on a specific day or two each month? For example, if you have a bunch of bills due on the 15th of the month, you might decide to pay them all on the 8th of the month.
Take advantage of tech
Good news: You don’t have to rely solely on your memory or your organizational skills to pay your bills on time. Lean on technology for help.
Sign up for reminders from your bank and creditors when your bills are due. You can also receive notices of when payments or checks have cleared and when your checking account balance has dipped below a certain amount.
Also, consider using online bill pay through a checking account, which is one of the best ways to pay bills each month. In addition to automatic payments, this service offers features you can’t get from many other payment methods, such as paying multiple bills from one place and scheduling your bills to be paid in advance.
Have savings ready in case of an emergency
Having savings can help you ride out an emergency—say, a medical issue or a surprise car repair—without skipping a bill payment or taking on debt. Many financial experts recommend having enough money stored up to cover three to six months’ worth of expenses in case of a financial emergency. (Read our guide on adjusting your budget in case of a layoff.)
You can build your savings with sporadic deposits over time, but it’s also a good idea to include saving a regular amount as an “expense” in your budget. And if you have money left over after paying your bills, consider setting aside an additional portion in a separate savings account. “If the account is a high-yield savings account, you can earn some interest while you’re at it,” Herron says.
Ask for help when you need it
If you’re worried you won’t be able to cover all your bills—or you’ve already fallen behind—you have options! While it’s best to contact your creditors before you miss a payment, don’t be afraid to reach out at any point. Many creditors—such as credit card companies, medical providers, and banks—have options to help make paying your bills more manageable. For example, they might put you on a payment plan, adjust your payment due dates, or waive late fees.
Depending on your income level, there are also government programs targeted at helping people pay their utility bills.
Reevaluate and readjust
Managing and paying your bills is not a one-and-done situation. Be sure to keep your monthly bills checklist and bill payment schedule updated throughout the year.
Herron recommends reviewing your credit card and checking account statements weekly to “check your spending and see if there are any bills that you don’t recognize or that have gone up in price.” Not only can this help you stay on budget, but it’s also a good opportunity to cancel any subscriptions you no longer want. If you’re struggling to pay your bills, look for areas where you can reduce your expenses or find a better deal and then take action, like shopping around for cheaper internet service.
You’re in control
Paying bills may never be your favorite thing to do, but creating a system for how to pay bills on time can make you feel much more prepared and secure when the first of the month (or the 15th or the 30th) rolls around.
Automation is one easy step to help ensure your bills get paid on time each month, and a Discover Cashback Debit account makes bill paying simple and straightforward. Plus, it earns 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.1 That’s a win-win for anyone looking to stay current on their bills and make a little extra cash while they do it.
Articles may contain information from third parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third-party or information.
1ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or other cash equivalents, cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay® Cash), online sports betting and internet gambling transactions, and loan payments or account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards. In addition, purchases made using third-party payment accounts (services such as Venmo® and PayPal®, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Venmo and PayPal are registered trademarks of PayPal, Inc. Samsung Pay is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Google, Google Pay, and Android are trademarks of Google LLC.
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate mortgages to write unbiased product reviews.
Mortgage rates fell late last week, and they remain low today. Average 30-year mortgage rates have generally been hovering in the 6.30% to 6.40% range this week, according to Zillow data. This is a significant drop from the start of the month, when rates were above 6.60%.
Where mortgage rates go next depends on the economy. Though the latest data suggests that the economy is slowly coming into better balance, any hotter-than-expected reports could cause rates to spike like they did in February.
As long as inflation continues to slow and the labor market doesn’t heat back up, mortgage rates should go down in 2024.
Mortgage rates have remained elevated so far this year as markets have had to adjust their expectations of when the Federal Reserve might finally start cutting the federal funds rate. Right now, investors are pricing in a nearly 60% probability that the Fed will cut this rate by 25 basis points at its June meeting, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
This means that we could see mortgage rates inch down just ahead of the summer months. But they may not be substantially lower until we get closer to the end of the year.
Today’s mortgage rates
Mortgage type
Average rate today
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mortgage rates on Zillow
Real Estate on Zillow
Today’s refinance rates
Mortgage type
Average rate today
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Mortgage Calculator
Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today’s interest rates will affect your monthly payments:
Mortgage Calculator
$1,161 Your estimated monthly payment
Total paid$418,177
Principal paid$275,520
Interest paid$42,657
Paying a 25% higher down payment would save you $8,916.08 on interest charges
Lowering the interest rate by 1% would save you $51,562.03
Paying an additional $500 each month would reduce the loan length by 146 months
By clicking on “More details,” you’ll also see how much you’ll pay over the entire length of your mortgage, including how much goes toward the principal vs. interest.
Mortgage Rate Projection for 2024
Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and increased dramatically in 2022 and throughout most of 2023.
Many forecasts expect rates to fall this year now that inflation has been coming down. In the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index rose by 3.1%, a significant slowdown compared when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022. But we’ll likely need to see more slowing before rates can drop substantially.
For homeowners looking to leverage their home’s value to cover a big purchase — such as a home renovation — a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be a good option while we wait for mortgage rates to ease. Check out some of our best HELOC lenders to start your search for the right loan for you.
A HELOC is a line of credit that lets you borrow against the equity in your home. It works similarly to a credit card in that you borrow what you need rather than getting the full amount you’re borrowing in a lump sum. It also lets you tap into the money you have in your home without replacing your entire mortgage, like you’d do with a cash-out refinance.
Current HELOC rates are relatively low compared to other loan options, including credit cards and personal loans.
When Will House Prices Come Down?
We aren’t likely to see home prices drop this year. In fact, they’ll probably rise.
Fannie Mae researchers expect prices to increase 3.20% in 2024 and 0.30% in 2025, while the Mortgage Bankers Association expects a 4.10% increase in 2024 and a 3.30% increase in 2024.
Sky high mortgage rates have pushed many hopeful buyers out of the market, slowing homebuying demand and putting downward pressure on home prices. But rates have since eased, removing some of that pressure. The current supply of homes is also historically low, which will likely push prices up.
What Happens to House Prices in a Recession?
House prices usually drop during a recession, but not always. When it does happen, it’s generally because fewer people can afford to purchase homes, and the low demand forces sellers to lower their prices.
How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?
A mortgage calculator can help you determine how much house you can afford. Play around with different home prices and down payment amounts to see how much your monthly payment could be, and think about how that fits in with your overall budget.
Typically, experts recommend spending no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing expenses. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn’t exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.
The lower your rate, the more you’ll be able to borrow, so shop around and get preapproved with multiple mortgage lenders to see who can offer you the best rate. But remember not to borrow more than what your budget can comfortably handle.
Whether you’re going on a far-flung adventure this spring or plan on sticking closer to home, the quarterly bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the original Chase Freedom® give you plenty of opportunities to earn elevated rewards on everyday purchases and maybe some splurges, too. And if you have the Flex version of the card, the quarterly categories are especially rich.
Holders of the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom® earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending in bonus categories that change every three months. From April 1 through June 30, 2024, the bonus categories are:
Select hotel bookings.
If you have the Chase Freedom Flex℠, you may notice that a couple of those categories already earn extra cash back because of the card’s fixed bonus rewards. The quarterly bonus rates “stack” on top of those. That means Flex cardholders (but not holders of the original Freedom) can earn up to 9% back on hotels booked through Chase, and up to 7% back on dining purchases. More on that below.
To receive elevated rewards, cardholders need to activate the bonus categories online by June 14. Rewards will apply retroactively, so as long as you activate by the deadline, you’ll earn extra cash back on all eligible purchases made throughout the quarter.
Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus rewards categories for 2024
Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31)
Grocery stores.
Fitness clubs and gym memberships.
Self-care and spa services.
Q2 (April 1-June 30)
Select hotel bookings.
Restaurants.
Amazon.com.
Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30)
TBD (In 2023: Gas stations and electric vehicle charging; select live entertainment).
Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31)
TBD (In 2023: PayPal; wholesale clubs; select charities).
Stacked rewards let Flex cardholders score big
Amazon is a mainstay bonus category for quarterly rewards, and the sheer breadth of items you can buy through the online marketplace makes it an easy way to earn extra rewards. But the other two categories — dining and select hotel bookings — have the potential to be much more valuable for Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders, thanks to the card’s ongoing rewards. Here’s how.
In addition to the bonus cash back cardholders can earn in rotating categories, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ also has the following “fixed” bonus categories that don’t change:
3% back at restaurants.
3% back at drugstores.
5% back on qualifying Lyft services purchased through the Lyft app (through March 31, 2025).
1% back on all other purchases.
Hotels booked through Chase already earn elevated rewards throughout the year (5% back), as do dining purchases (3% back). The quarterly bonus doesn’t replace those rewards; it “stacks” on top of them, meaning you can earn up to 9% back on hotels booked through Chase, and up to 7% back on dining purchases.
The original Chase Freedom® (which is no longer available to new applicants) has the same 5% rotating bonus calendar but does not have the fixed categories. So holders of that card will earn 5% in all of the quarterly categories.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Why 7% and 9%? When Chase awards 5% cash back in its quarterly categories, it does so using this logic: Purchases that normally get 1% cash back are now earning an additional 4% cash back — so the quarterly bonus is 4% on top of the usual rewards. So for the second quarter of 2024, restaurant spending that usually earns 3% with Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns 4% on top of that, for a total of 7%. Hotels booked through Chase usually earn 5%, so adding 4% to that gets you to 9% cash back.
Watch out for foreign transaction fees
These elevated rewards on dining and hotels booked through Chase make the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom® ideal travel companions for spring and early summer trips. But if you’re traveling internationally, you might want to think twice before you whip out either card to pay for a meal or a hotel reservation.
Chase generally charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on its nontravel credit cards, which will cut into the value of any rewards you earn. The reward rates are high enough that you can still come out ahead, but you may need to do a little math first.
The information related to Chase Freedom® credit card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
Welcome offers make the first year you carry a credit card an especially lucrative one. After that, you’ll earn rewards for your spending, but nothing comes close to that influx of points worth potentially hundreds of dollars upon redemption.
However, a card’s terms and conditions might stop you from getting multiple new cardholder bonuses from the same issuer, which is the case for certain American Express cards. If you open a new AmEx card and earn a welcome bonus, you may not be able to earn a bonus from another AmEx-issued card within the same “family” later on.
Here’s how to navigate AmEx application rules when it comes to restrictions on new cardholder welcome offers.
AmEx card ‘families’
It helps to think of cards that offer similar benefits as “families.” A family of cards has a major thing in common, like what rewards currency they earn (travel points or cash back). They may all be part of a rewards program for a specific airline or hotel brand. Within families, you’ll find different tiers of cards. A more premium card will charge a higher annual fee in exchange for more rewards. A no-annual-fee card provides a lower-cost option, but that card won’t offer as many perks.
AmEx cards fall into several families, each with rules about how many bonuses you can get. If you’re ineligible to get a bonus, you’ll get a notification before your application is processed, so you can decide at that point whether or not to proceed.
These are the AmEx card families.
Membership Rewards cards
A number of AmEx cards earn Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel (including transfers to airline and hotel partners), statement credits, gift cards or purchases at participating merchants. There are two sub-families within this category:
For travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express: If you had this card before, or other versions of it including the Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab, the Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley or previous versions, you may not be able to qualify for a welcome offer by getting it again.
American Express® Gold Card: If you had this card or any versions of The Platinum Card® from American Express before, you may not qualify for a welcome offer.
American Express® Green Card: If you had this card, the American Express® Gold Card or any versions of The Platinum Card® from American Express before, you may not qualify for a welcome offer. (All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently and the card is no longer available through NerdWallet.)
Terms apply.
For everyday purchases
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card: If you had this card or The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer. (All information about the Amex EveryDay® Credit Cardhas been collected independently and the card is no longer available through NerdWallet.)
Terms apply.
Cash-back cards
AmEx issues several cards that earn cash-back rewards. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earn elevated rewards in specific spending categories, while the American Express Cash Magnet® Card earns the same rate on all purchases.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card: If you had this card, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express or the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer. (All information about the American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet.)
Terms apply.
Airline cards
AmEx issues these co-branded Delta cards that earn rewards in the form of Delta SkyMiles:
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: If you had this card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: If you had this card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer.
Terms apply.
Hotel cards
The Hilton cards provide an exception to some of the rules you see with other AmEx cards. You can’t get a welcome offer on a card if you get that exact same card again, but you can get another card in the Hilton family and be eligible for that card’s offer.
Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: If you had this card before, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer. (All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently and the card is no longer available through NerdWallet.)
Marriott Bonvoy
What you can do
Choose your card carefully
If you can only get one welcome bonus per card family, go for the card with the biggest bonus available. That may mean stomaching a higher annual fee (and the annual fees on some of these cards are no joke), but if you choose a card with other perks you’ll actually use, you can get more value out of the card while you carry it.
You can opt to downgrade the pricier card later on to another member of the family with a lower annual fee if you’d like to keep your account open for a lower cost. You won’t earn another bonus this way, however.
Look for targeted offers
Anecdotally, consumers may receive targeted credit card offers from AmEx without this lifetime language, meaning you may be eligible for another bonus despite carrying another card in that family. These offers arrive randomly, so pay attention to what you get in the mail.
Ask for a retention bonus
If you’re considering canceling a card once the annual fee is due again, call the number on the back of your card and ask about retention offers. You’re shut out of bonuses on other similar AmEx cards, but perhaps a kindly customer service representative can convince you to hold onto the card you have now with a waived annual fee or some extra rewards points.
You don’t necessarily need a four-year degree to have a rewarding career that pays well. In fact, there are plenty of jobs out there that don’t require a bachelor’s degree and meet a wide variety of talents and interests, from nursing to mechanical technicians.
Here’s an explainer of what exactly is a “trade job,” plus a list of 25 of the highest-paying trade jobs as of 2022, which is the latest data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Is a Trade Job?
A trade job is a career that requires advanced training and skill that can be acquired outside a four-year bachelor’s degree. Instead, experience can be acquired through on-the-job instruction, apprenticeship, or vocational schooling. 💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.
Highest-Paying Trade Jobs
If you’re interested in a job that doesn’t require a college degree, or you love working with your hands, consider this list of some of the highest-paying trade jobs in the U.S. The compilation shows average annual salary and was compiled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By the way, most if not all trade jobs require workers to be on site. Working remotely is not an option.
1. Power Plant Operator, Distributor, and Dispatcher – $97,570
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, long-term on-the-job training
Duties: Control power plants and the flow of electricity from plants to substations, which then deliver power to homes and businesses.
Recommended: Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?
2. Real Estate Broker – $52,030
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent. Must complete some real estate courses to be eligible for licensure.
Duties: Help people buy and sell properties.
Recommended: Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?
3. Registered Nurse – $81,220
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Associate degree in Nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.
Duties: Help provide and coordinate patient care.
4. Dental Hygienist – $81,400
Requirements: Associate degree
Duties: Provide preventive dental care and examine patients for signs of oral diseases.
5. Water Transportation Worker – $66,100
Requirements: Will vary by job. For example, there are no requirements for entry-level sailors, while other workers might need to complete Coast Guard–approved training.
Duties: Operate and maintain vessels that carry cargo and people on the water.
6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – $78,210
Requirements: Associate degree
Duties: Operate special imaging equipment to create images of patients’ internal organs or to conduct tests.
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7. Farmer, Rancher, or Other Agricultural Manager – $75,760
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Duties: Run farms and other establishments that produce livestock, dairy products, or crops.
8. Gas Plant Operator – $79,460
Requirements: High school diploma
Duties: Help distribute or process gas for utility companies by controlling the compressors on main gas pipelines.
9. Pile Driver Operator – $70,220
Requirements: High school diploma and vocational training can be helpful.
Duties: Operate machines that drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of buildings, bridges, and piers.
10. First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers – $77,650
Requirements: High school diploma and five years or more work experience
Duties: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of construction or extraction workers, such as miners or those drilling for minerals.
11. First-Line Supervisor of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers – $76,020
Requirements: High school diploma, some work experience
Duties: Directly supervise and coordinate mechanics, installers, and repairers. They may also advise customers seeking recommendations for services.
12. Legal Support Worker – $59,200
Requirements: Associate degree
Duties: Perform a variety of tasks to support attorneys such as interviewing clients, legal research, and case summaries.
13. Locomotive Engineer – $73,850
Requirements: High school diploma
Duties: Operate passenger and freight trains safely. May also coordinate train activities or control rail yard signals and switches.
14. Subway and Streetcar Operator – $75,880
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Duties: Operate subways or elevated suburban trains that don’t have a separate locomotive, or may operate an electric-powered streetcar. May handle fares.
15. Line Installer and Repairer – $82,340
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Duties: Install and repair lines for electrical power systems, telecommunications, and fiber optics.
16. Computer Network Support Specialist – $59,660
Requirements: Entry-level requirements may vary, but network support specialists usually need to have an associate degree. Applicants to these jobs may qualify with high school diploma and information technology certifications.
Duties: Provide technical support to computer users while also maintaining computer networks.
17. Claims Adjuster, Examiner, and Investigator – $72,040
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Duties: Evaluate insurance claims and act as an intermediary between claimants and the insurance company.
18. Electrical and Electronics Installer and Repairer for Transportation Equipment – $71,740
Requirements: Specialized training at a technical college
Duties: Install and maintain mobile electronics communication equipment on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
Recommended: The Highest Paying Jobs in Every State
19. Avionics Technician – $70,740
Requirements: Some may obtain a degree or certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration–approved aviation maintenance technician school, while other candidates may be trained on the job or in the military.
Duties: Repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.
20. Fire Inspector and Investigator – $65,800
Requirements: High school diploma, on-the-job training, and typically some experience as a firefighter
Duties: Fire inspectors help ensure buildings meet federal, state, and local fire codes and inspect buildings for potential fire hazards.
21. Transit and Railroad Police – $76,380
Requirements: Typically you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a transit and railroad police training program, and receive a passing grade on a law enforcement exam from your state.
Duties: Help protect employees, passengers, and railroad and transit property.
22. Insurance Sales Agent – $57,860
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Duties: Work with clients and customers to explain and sell various types of insurance.
23. Media and Communication Equipment Worker – $74,490
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Duties: Install, repair, and maintain audio and visual systems across various industries, such as corporate offices and the film industry.
24. Boilermaker – $66,920
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Duties: Install, maintain, and repair boilers.
25. Construction and Building Inspector – $64,480
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Duties: Inspects buildings to ensure they are structurally sound and in compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. May focus on a specific area such as plumbing or electrical systems. 💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.
The Takeaway
On the high end, trade workers can make $90,000 or more at a career that doesn’t require a college education. That’s well above the $59,540 that represents the annual median income of U.S. full-time workers. And with a diverse range of career options to choose from, individuals who choose a trade job have a good chance at finding a fulfilling career that matches their interests and personality.
As your career takes off and you start earning a salary, you’ll likely want to begin budget planning and setting financial goals like paying down debt and saving for your future.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.
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Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
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.
Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below. Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you…
Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below.
Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you to go on more vacations and use your money for other things in life.
Whether it’s a fancy resort or a specific hotel brand, the trick is to know where to find these opportunities and make the most of them.
Key Takeaways
Loyalty programs are a direct path to earning free hotel stays. This is because they tend to give a free night after a certain number of paid stays. You accumulate points for each stay that you can redeem for free nights.
Credit card points can be used for free hotel stays. Many credit cards partner with hotel brands to give sign-up bonuses. By meeting the minimum spending requirements, you can earn points for free hotel stays. These points can be substantial, so choose a card aligned with your preferred hotel chain.
Earning gift cards from rewards platforms can be a way to make money to put toward free hotel stays.
Best Ways To Get Free Hotel Stays
Below are ways to get free hotel stays.
Take surveys for free hotel stays
You can get free gift cards by answering paid online surveys, and you can use these gift cards to help you get a free hotel stay.
So, this would work like this – you could get free gift cards to places like Hotels.com, Marriott Hotels, Holiday Inn, or even a Visa gift card (that you can use anywhere) as a reward for answering online surveys. You then collect gift cards until you reach the amount that you need to book the hotel that you want.
To get started, you’ll want to find a survey site that you trust. Some of my favorites are:
I recommend signing up for all of them so that you can get the most surveys possible to answer, which will then pay you with more gift cards.
There are also other apps that you can use as well to get free gift cards, such as Fetch Rewards and Ibotta.
I get free gift cards all the time, and recently, I logged into several of the accounts that I am signed up for and turned in my points. This led to me getting $275 in free gift cards. I personally like to wait until I have a lot of gift cards that I can redeem all at once.
Now, this would take a decent amount of time. You won’t get a free hotel stay in one day. But if you keep doing surveys, your gift cards will add up.
Recommended reading: 16 Real Ways To Earn Free Gift Cards (Amazon, Target, Visa)
How to get free hotel stays as an influencer or blogger
As a blogger and social media influencer, I have received many hotel stays for free over the years. From luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean to RV campgrounds and more, I have partnered with many different types of accommodations over the years.
And, I know of many other people who have received free hotel rooms through this as well.
Getting free hotel stays as an influencer means partnering with hotels and showing them why you’re valuable to their brand.
This may include sharing your hotel stay on your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, or somewhere else that you have followers and readers.
Here’s a quick guide on how to stay at hotels for free as a social media influencer or blogger:
Assess what you can offer. Hotels are looking for exposure and new customers, so your reach and engagement rates are important. How many people will see what you share about their hotel?
Customize your content to align with the hotel’s image and key messages.
Contact hotels professionally, usually through their marketing or PR department, and highlight how your content will benefit their visibility and attract potential customers. This is typically done through email.
Be clear about expectations – what you will provide and what you expect in return. Set deliverables, such as a number of posts, stories, or a video.
You can learn how to start a blog by taking my free How To Start A Blog Course. You can join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
Travel credit card rewards
If you want to learn how to stay at hotels for free, this is one of the top ways.
I have earned several free hotel stays over the years by using the rewards points I have earned from my credit cards toward my hotel room. I’ve been using rewards credit cards for years, and they are pretty much all that I use now. It helps me save money on travel, earn cash back, and more.
A rewards credit card lets you earn points, miles, or cash back that you can use for almost free travel. These cards usually give you points that you can use for things like airline miles, booking hotels, gift cards, or cash back. You earn these rewards just by using your credit card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and shopping. But remember, it’s important to pay off your full balance each month to make sure the rewards are worth it and avoid paying extra for interest charges.
Here’s a quick summary to help you understand how rewards credit cards work:
Choose a credit card with rewards that interest you, like points, cash back, or travel rewards.
The card may require you to spend a certain amount, for example, $3,000 in the first 90 days, to get a sign-up bonus. Some don’t have any minimum requirement, and you can simply earn points for your purchases.
Use these points for rewards like cash back, hotel stays, airfare, or other options.
You can learn more about my favorite cards at Best Rewards Credit Cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Chase Ultimate Rewards Points are the best!), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, and others.
I also recommend reading How To Take A 10 Day Trip To Hawaii For $22.40 – Flights & Accommodations Included.
Note: Credit card rewards and even the best travel credit cards are not worth it if you go into debt. Remember to pay off your monthly bill in time (and the full amount) before interest charges accrue. Also, many of the good rewards credit cards have an annual fee each year on your card anniversary, so take that into account as well. So, you should always be careful!
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs
Hotel rewards programs are your way to get free stays and room upgrades. When you join these programs, you can earn points for a free night’s stay, and as you climb the levels, you can get additional benefits such as getting your resort fees waived.
Programs like Marriott Hotels, IHG Rewards Club, and Hilton Honors are free to join and sometimes give you a free night after a certain number of stays or points earned.
Some examples of hotel rewards programs include:
Marriott Bonvoy – Combines former Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs.
IHG Rewards Club – Allows you to earn points for stays which can be used for free nights.
Hilton Honors – Provides exclusive member deals and guarantees the lowest rates when booking directly.
Many travel booking sites also have rewards programs, such as Expedia even. These programs give valuable benefits like this to get you to book through them as much as possible so that they can make more money.
You can earn points in several ways beyond just booking hotel rooms:
Stay at hotels – Every night you stay earns you more points, with the amount varying by hotel and the rate you book.
Promotions – Look out for and register for periodic promotions that have bonus points.
Partnerships – Earn points through partners, for instance, by booking car rentals or flights with associated airlines.
Your accumulated points can be redeemed for free hotel nights, among other rewards. The number of points needed for a free night certificate varies by hotel brand, location, and the room’s price.
Find mystery shopping jobs at hotels
Mystery shop companies sometimes need secret shoppers to evaluate a hotel for them. I have seen these types of jobs pop up several times, and I have personally done a few as well.
These are typically just one or two-night stays in your local area, but it can make for a fun and free staycation.
This can be a great way to vacation on a budget.
Become a travel agent if you’re traveling with a group
If you often travel with groups, becoming a travel agent can be a smart choice. As a travel agent, you get industry discounts and may earn commissions on your bookings. To become one, you need accreditation, usually from a trusted program that teaches you important industry knowledge.
Here’s how you can benefit:
Access to discounts – As a travel agent, you can unlock special rates not available to the public. When traveling with a group, this can translate into significant savings.
Earn commissions – Booking for multiple people means the potential for earning commissions from hotels increases. This can sometimes offset the cost of your own accommodation.
Though this role comes with perks, it also means handling travel details professionally and responsibly for others. It’s not just about getting free stays; it’s also about making sure that your group has great travel experiences.
Work at a hotel
Working at a hotel can be a way to get free accommodation. As an employee, you can usually get discounts or even stay for free, depending on your job and the hotel’s policy.
This may include jobs such as working the front desk, being in management, and more.
Policies vary, so it’s important to know what’s available to you and to ask about the hotel’s policy on employee stays. For example, some hotels have a set number of free nights as part of the employment package. Plus, discounts on rooms can sometimes extend to family and friends.
Attend a timeshare presentation
Going to a timeshare presentation can lead to complimentary hotel stays.
These can sometimes be brutal, though, so if you think that you may end up buying a timeshare that you don’t need – then DO NOT DO THIS! Timeshares can be quite expensive and they are lifelong with annual costs.
But, if you think you can withstand the temptation, plenty of people sign up for these in order to get a free hotel stay all the time.
Here’s how this works:
Usually, your attendance at a 90-minute to 2-hour sales pitch is required.
Be prepared for high-pressure sales tactics, but remember you’re under no obligation to buy.
Incentives can range from free hotel stays, discounted travel, or even gift cards.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions attached to the free stay.
If interested, consider the timeshare offer carefully. If not, politely decline and redeem your free stay or other perks.
Hotel promotions and deals
You can stretch your travel budget by taking advantage of different hotel promotions and deals to get the best room rates. Whether you travel often or are planning a one-time trip, there are several strategies you can use to get free hotel stays.
When you sign up for newsletters from your favorite hotel chains, you’ll receive emails on new promotions and deals (such as for seasonal sales on room rates) directly to your inbox. Some hotels might even offer a reward night, room upgrades, or welcome points just for joining at check-in.
Scan your grocery receipts for free hotel gift cards
Using grocery receipt scanning apps can be an easy way to earn free hotel stay rewards.
As you do your regular grocery shopping at grocery stores, these apps turn your grocery receipts into points, which can be exchanged for gift cards that can be used at different hotels.
Here’s how you can get started:
Download receipt scanning apps – Look for apps like Fetch Rewards (this is my favorite and the one that I use for every single one of my grocery receipts) that are known to offer hotel gift cards as a redemption option.
Scan your receipts – Every time you shop, take a second to scan your receipts using the app.
Earn points – Get points with every scanned receipt.
Redeem for hotel gift cards – Once you’ve earned enough points, browse the app’s reward section for hotel gift card options. Select your preferred hotel chain and redeem your points. With Fetch Rewards, you can get gift cards to places such as Airbnb, Hotels.com, Visa, and more.
While it will take some time to earn enough points, it can be a way to save some money on a hotel reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to stay at hotels for free.
Is it possible to get a free night at a hotel?
Yes, you may be able to get a free night at a hotel through loyalty programs, which reward you with points for free night awards that can be redeemed for free nights. Additionally, some programs may give a free night after a certain number of paid stays or as a sign-up bonus.
How to get a hotel room for free?
You may get a free hotel room through loyalty programs, credit card rewards, by earning free hotel gift cards, and more.
How can I earn free hotel stays through surveys?
You can earn points by joining market research and filling out surveys on specific websites. These points might be traded for hotel rewards points, allowing you to book hotel stays for free.
Are there contests or sweepstakes that offer chances to win a stay at a hotel?
Yes, contests and sweepstakes run by hotels, travel bloggers, or travel websites tend to have hotel stays as prizes. You can start by possibly searching related hashtags on social media, such as #giveaway.
How can I travel luxury for free?
Traveling in luxury for free can be done by maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses and rewards, leveraging elite status with hotel loyalty programs for upgrades, and possibly collaborating with luxury hotels as an influencer if you have a strong online following.
How to get a free hotel room by complaining?
If you honestly had a bad stay at a hotel, you may be able to talk to management. Sometimes, they will give you a free hotel stay to make up for the bad review. But, you should never lie about a stay just to get a free room, as you can cost someone their job.
How To Stay at Hotels for Free – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to stay at hotels for free.
There are many ways to get free hotel stays, as you learned above.
Joining hotel loyalty programs at major hotel chains is a simple way to get free night rewards. These programs give you points for staying often, and you can use these points for free hotel nights.
Travel credit cards and hotel credit cards also give rewards that can be used for hotel stays.
If you’re an influencer or booking for a group, this may result in you getting a hotel stay for free. Other ways, like joining hotel promotions, being a mystery shopper, or attending timeshare presentations, can also get you free or cheaper stays at different places.
I have personally done many of the ways listed above to get free hotel stays at places in many states and countries. The stays have been great and have allowed me to save so much money over the years!