20 Ways to Get Free Money Right Now in 2025

If you’re looking to get some free money, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’ve hit a rough patch, had an unexpected expense, or just need a little extra cash, there are plenty of ways to earn some free money today.

Free money doesn’t mean it’ll magically appear in your bank account — what it really means is that you only need to spend a little time and effort. From government programs to apps and websites, there are legitimate ways to earn money with minimal work. Let’s dive into the best options available!

Best Ways to Get Free Money Now

While there are a lot of scams out there, the methods I’m sharing are 100% legitimate and safe. I’ve tested and researched these apps and websites, so you can trust they will pay you as promised. The work involved is reasonable for the cash or rewards they provide.

Apps with Sign-Up Bonuses

There are several apps that will pay you just for signing up. While the bonuses might seem small, if you sign up for multiple apps, they can really add up!

• Swagbucks: Swagbucks lets you earn money by completing tasks like shopping, watching videos, and taking surveys. When you sign up, you get a $10 bonus to start. Plus, you can keep earning by completing more tasks. It’s one of the most popular and reliable platforms for earning free money.
• InboxDollars: InboxDollars is another great app that rewards you for reading emails, completing surveys, searching the web, and watching videos. Signing up gets you an instant $5 bonus just for verifying your email. Plus, you can earn more by referring friends and getting a share of their earnings.
• Stash: Stash is a fantastic investment app that lets you start with as little as $5. You can begin investing right away, and when you sign up and make your first investment, you’ll get a $5 bonus. It’s a great way to grow your money, even with small investments.
• Acorns: Acorns is a micro-investing app that rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the change. For example, if you buy a coffee for $2.75, Acorns will invest the extra 25 cents. Sign up, make your first investment, and get a $10 bonus. It’s a cool way to start investing with minimal effort.
• Aspiration Zero Card: If you’re into sustainable spending, the Aspiration Zero card gives you a $300 bonus if you spend $3,000 within 90 days. It’s a fantastic way to earn money and enjoy cashback while spending!
• Robinhood: If you’re interested in stock trading, Robinhood lets you invest without commission fees. They give you a free stock (worth anywhere from $5 to $200) just for signing up. It’s an easy way to get started with investing!
• M1Finance: M1Finance is a platform where you can invest in stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. If you open an account and make transactions worth at least $1,000 within 60 days, you’ll get a $150 bonus.
• Tada: Tada offers 5% cashback on purchases and a $20 sign-up bonus when you make your first purchase. No fees for signing up, and it’s a simple way to start earning some free cash!
• Ibotta: Ibotta lets you earn cashback on purchases from a wide range of categories. You can earn cashback on groceries, clothes, and even electronics. Plus, you get a $20 bonus when you sign up and make your first purchase!

Survey and Task Websites

If you prefer to earn money by sharing your opinion, there are plenty of survey and task websites where you can make extra cash.

• Branded Surveys: Branded Surveys offers a $1 bonus just for signing up. You can earn more by taking surveys, and the surveys are high quality with good rewards.
• Survey Junkie: This is one of the top survey websites where you can get paid for sharing your opinions. After you sign up and complete your profile, you’ll be shown available surveys. Once you’ve earned enough points, you can redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards. Focus groups also pay really well, up to $50 for an hour!
• MyPoints: MyPoints is a veteran in the survey industry. You earn points for taking surveys, shopping, and completing other activities. You also get a $10 bonus when you sign up. Plus, you can redeem points for cash or gift cards.
• QuickRewards: QuickRewards lets you earn money by taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and more. You get a $5 bonus just for signing up, and payment is made via PayPal once you reach $20.
• Toluna: Toluna offers surveys and other activities like product testing and watching videos. You earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
• LifePoints: LifePoints gives you points for completing surveys and other tasks. The points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards, and you can also earn points by referring friends.
• American Consumer Opinion (ACOP): ACOP offers surveys that pay you up to $5 per survey. You’ll need to complete at least $10 worth of surveys before you can cash out through PayPal or check.
• Harris Poll Online: Harris Poll lets you participate in surveys and polls in exchange for points. You can redeem those points for cash or gift cards.
• Pinecone Research: Pinecone Research is known for offering high-paying surveys. Most surveys take about 15 minutes, and you can earn $1 to $5 per survey.

Paid Focus Groups

If you’re willing to take part in discussions about various products or services, paid focus groups are a great way to earn extra money. Focus groups typically pay $50 to $200 per session.

• Respondent: Respondent offers paid research studies on a wide range of topics. All you need to do is sign up and apply for studies that match your profile. Payments are made via PayPal.
• Marketing Research Companies: Many marketing research companies hold focus groups to get feedback on products or services. These are typically well-paid, and you may even receive free gifts for participating. Signing up for these focus groups is free, and you can often get paid within a few days.

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These are just a few of the legitimate ways to get free money right now. Whether you’re looking for a quick cash bonus or want to earn a little extra on the side, there are many options available to you. Just make sure to avoid scams, and stick to trusted apps and websites that offer genuine rewards for your time and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are some legitimate ways to get free money?

• Some legitimate methods to earn free money include signing up for reward programs, cashback apps, completing paid surveys, participating in referral programs, and using apps that offer incentives for tasks like shopping or playing games.

2. Are cashback apps safe to use?

• Yes, most reputable cashback apps, like Rakuten or Ibotta, are safe to use. Just be sure to read reviews, check the app’s ratings, and stick to well-known apps to avoid potential scams.

3. How do referral programs work?

• Referral programs let you earn free money or bonuses by inviting friends to use a specific app or service. When someone you refer signs up and makes a transaction, you earn a reward or a percentage of their activity.

4. Can I earn money through paid surveys?

• Yes, some legitimate websites and apps pay users for completing surveys. Sites like Swagbucks or InboxDollars offer cash or gift cards for taking surveys. Be sure to avoid sites that ask for upfront fees or personal information.

5. How can I avoid scams when looking for free money?

• To avoid scams, stick to trusted, reputable websites or apps that are well-reviewed. Never pay money upfront or provide sensitive personal information unless you’re certain the platform is legitimate. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

6. How do I know if an app offering free money is trustworthy?

• Look for user reviews and ratings on trusted app stores, such as Google Play or the App Store. Also, check for any complaints or warnings from other users regarding potential scams. Researching the company behind the app can also help.

7. Can I earn free money by simply using apps and websites?

• Yes, there are many apps and websites that reward you for daily activities, like shopping, playing games, or watching videos. However, the amounts may be small, and you’ll need to be consistent to see significant earnings.

Conclusion

There are many legitimate opportunities to earn free money, whether it’s through cashback apps, paid surveys, or referral programs. The key is to stick to trusted platforms and avoid scams that promise too much for too little. By using reliable apps and services, you can earn rewards for activities you already do, helping you make some extra cash on the side. Always be cautious, and research any platform thoroughly before getting involved to ensure it’s trustworthy.