There are a number of ways I have discovered these generally involve a cashback site.
First you sign up to one of a number of cashback sites, my recommendations are :
Quidco
and
Topcashback (this site offers 500 tesco club points through this link).
Then, you see what offers are available.
In particular look out for credit card offers, new bank accounts and gambling sites which all offer free cash incentives to join.
It occurred to me that any business that stands to make money from you may offer free money therefore the 3 offers I mention above are candidates!
Credit cards Option 1
The basic priciple is apply for a new credit card through a cashback site and receive between £10 - £100.00.
Pros
- Free money
Cons
- Takes about 1 - 2 hours of your time
- They will carry out a credit check on you.
Basic principle
- Apply for a credit card, activate it and set up a direct debit at the time you activate it to pay the minimum amount.
- Make a small purchase perhaps online.
- Cancel the card after 3 months.
What to watch out for.
- Annual fees (some cards charge a fee of £10.00 per year).
- Dormancy fee (a fee is often payable if you keep the card active but not using it (hence the reason to cancel it after a few months).
Who to look out for
- American Express Platinum (up to £100.00 to join, although requires a squeeky clean credit history your side).
- Vanquis
Credit cards Option 2
Another credit card free money tip is to use a credit card which offers a percentage of cashback on each purchase say between 1 and 3 % usually payable in a lump sum annually.
Pros
- Free money
Cons
- They will carry out a credit check on you.
Basic principle
- Sign up to a credit card offering cashback on your purchases. Set up a direct debit to clear the full amount each month.
What to watch out for.
- Choose one which doesn't have an annual fee, as this will reduce your profits. Make sure you clear the balance each month to avoid paying any interest.
Who to look out for
- Capital one offer 1% cashback.
New current account.
The basic principle is apply for a new current account through a cash back site and receive £50 - £100.00.
Pros
- Free money
Cons
- They probably require you to pay in around £1,000.00 per month
- They will carry out a credit check on you.
- You must meet their conditions which often include at least 2 direct debits leaving this account and a deposit of say £1000.00 per month. Which means you must have say £1000.00 per month to psy in.
Basic principle
- Pick an offer and sign up for a new bank account. Use their transfer service to transfer direct debits and standing orders easily from your old account and arrange to have the amount in their conditions paid into your new account. This could be done through your wage or by a standing order from your other current account.
What to watch out for.
- Check their conditions as each bank account is different
Who to look out for
- First Direct often pays £100.00 to join although you need a squeeky clean credit history your side
- Halifax
- Santander the 123 account is good as this also offers cashback on your bills
- Nationwide (they have an account that pays 5% interest on the first £2,500.00 for the first year). They are currently offering a recommend a friend deal I have an account with Nationwide and can Recommend you as a friend and we will both benefit from £100 just send me an email to my email address which is mark_pickup at btinternet.com
Gambling sites
Often when you mention gambling sites to people they instantly back away, but these same people probably do the National Lottery without batting an eye lid. I don't consider it gambling if you can't lose, here's how:
Sign up to a gambling site through a cashback site which is offering a good deal such as bet £10.00 get £30.00 cash back.
Pros
- Free money
- Sometimes you also win (although only do this for the cashback, winning is just a bonus)
Cons
- Please don't try this if you have a history of problem gambling or an easily addictive nature.
- Involves an initial outlay.
Basic principle
- Sign up to a cash back site such as Quidco or Topcashback. Search the cashback site for offers using the keyword gambling. Join a site which is offering a good deal at least twice the money you deposit back.
What to watch out for.
- Check their conditions on the cashback site carefully.
- Only eligible to new customers.
- Don't accept any bonus money they offer when you make your deposit as this will probably make it harder to withdraw any winnings.
Who to look out for
- Coral Bingo
- Gala Bingo
- Glossy Bingo
- Europa Casino
- Prime Scratchcards
- Metro Play Casino
- Bet Voyager
- BetFred Sports
- Sky Vegas
- Winner.com Sports
