Bonus Bucks
Little wins that
add up.
Not every dollar has to come from a business. These are the apps and websites we like for earning or saving a little extra with very little effort.
Free to join. No recruiting. We only list tools we would recommend to a friend.
The honest part
None of these will replace a paycheck. They are small wins that add up: a gift card here, a little cash back there.
Earnings vary and offers change often, so check each site’s current terms before you sign up.
Disclosure: some links on this page are referral links. If you sign up through one, we may earn a small bonus at no cost to you.
Category 1 of 6
Scan Your Receipts
Snap a photo of receipts you already have.
Points add up slowly, and you cash them in for gift cards.
Fetch
We use this
Scan any grocery, store, or restaurant receipt (paper or email) to earn points.
- You get paid
- Points for gift cards
- Effort
- Very low: about 10 seconds per receipt
- Good to know
- Bonus points come from specific brands, so earnings vary a lot from receipt to receipt.
Ibotta
We use this
Cash back on groceries and everyday items. Pick offers before you shop, then link a store account or scan your receipt.
- You get paid
- Cash to PayPal, bank or gift cards
- Effort
- Low: a few minutes before or after shopping
- Good to know
- Works best if you check offers before you go. Also has cash back for online shopping.
Amazon Shopper Panel
We use this
An invite and waitlist program from Amazon. Upload receipts from purchases made outside Amazon and answer short surveys.
- You get paid
- Amazon balance (or a charity donation)
- Effort
- Very low: upload receipts, answer a survey now and then
- Good to know
- There is a monthly earning cap, and spots are limited, so you may join a waitlist first.
Category 2 of 6
Cash Back and Coupons When You Shop
Things you buy anyway can earn a little back.
Set them up once, then shop like normal.
Rakuten
We use this
Start your online shopping through Rakuten (or its browser extension) and get a percentage back from thousands of stores.
- You get paid
- Cash back by PayPal or check
- Effort
- Very low: one click before you shop
- Good to know
- Cash back is paid out on a schedule, not instantly, so it builds up over time.
Honey
We use this
A PayPal browser extension that looks for coupon codes at checkout.
- You get paid
- Savings at checkout, plus reward points
- Effort
- Very low: it pops up at checkout
- Good to know
- Since late 2024, Honey has faced public criticism and lawsuits over how it handles affiliate links. It still finds coupon codes for shoppers, but some families prefer the alternatives listed here.
Capital One Shopping
A free browser extension and app that compares prices and finds coupon codes. You do not need a Capital One card.
- You get paid
- Savings plus rewards for gift cards
- Effort
- Very low: runs in the background
- Good to know
- Great for spotting a lower price on the same item before you buy.
Upside
Cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurants at participating locations.
- You get paid
- Cash to your bank or gift cards
- Effort
- Low: claim an offer, then pay with a linked card
- Good to know
- Offers depend on what stations and stores are near you.
Category 3 of 6
Surveys and Quick Tasks
Answer surveys, watch short videos, or try offers in spare moments.
Pay is small, so treat it as extra, not income.
Swagbucks
We use this
Earn points for surveys, shopping, searching the web, and watching videos.
- You get paid
- PayPal or gift cards
- Effort
- Low, in short bursts
- Good to know
- You will not qualify for every survey. Stick to the tasks that are worth your time.
InboxDollars
We use this
Similar to Swagbucks: surveys, reading emails, games, and offers.
- You get paid
- PayPal or gift cards
- Effort
- Low, in short bursts
- Good to know
- There is a minimum balance before you can cash out, so check it before you start.
Survey Junkie
A survey-only site. Fill out your profile to be matched with surveys.
- You get paid
- PayPal, bank transfer or gift cards
- Effort
- Low
- Good to know
- Simple and focused. Completing your profile helps you qualify for more surveys.
Prolific
Take part in real academic and research studies from universities and companies.
- You get paid
- PayPal
- Effort
- Low to moderate: studies vary in length
- Good to know
- Often pays better per minute than typical survey sites, and it tells you the pay up front. Studies fill fast, so check in often.
Category 4 of 6
Get Paid for Your Opinion
Companies pay real people to share their thoughts in research sessions or website tests. These usually pay the most on this page.
User Interviews
We use this
Apply for research studies (surveys, video calls, or product tests) that match your background.
- You get paid
- Prepaid Visa or gift cards, per study
- Effort
- Moderate: usually a short screener, then a 30 to 60 minute session
- Good to know
- You will not be picked for every study, but the ones you land can pay well for your time.
UserTesting
Test websites and apps while you share your screen and talk out loud about what you think.
- You get paid
- PayPal
- Effort
- Moderate: most tests are short
- Good to know
- You need a computer or phone with a microphone. There is a short practice test to join.
Respondent
Research studies with a focus on professionals and specific groups, often paying the highest rates.
- You get paid
- Prepaid Visa or gift cards
- Effort
- Moderate
- Good to know
- Fill out your profile completely. Your job, interests, and background are how you get matched. Respondent keeps a small fee (5%) from each payment.
Category 5 of 6
Try and Review Products
Get free products to try in exchange for honest reviews.
Influenster
Review products you use, and you may be picked for free sample boxes to test and review.
- You get paid
- Free products
- Effort
- Low
- Good to know
- Being active with reviews (and on social media) raises your chances of being chosen.
Amazon Vine
Invite-only program where Amazon’s trusted reviewers get free products to review.
- You get paid
- Free products
- Effort
- Low
- Good to know
- You cannot apply. Amazon invites people who write helpful reviews, so writing thoughtful reviews is the way in.
Category 6 of 6
Sell and Promote Online
Turn your posts, blog, or social following into income.
These take real setup and steady effort, but they can grow into a true business.
Stan Store
We use this
A simple link-in-bio shop that many TikTok and Instagram creators use. Sell digital products, courses, and coaching calls from one page.
- You get paid
- Your own sales (Stan takes no transaction fee)
- Effort
- Medium to high: you make the products and bring the buyers
- Good to know
- There is no free plan. After a 14-day free trial, plans start at $29 a month, so plan for that cost before your first sale.
PartnerBoost
We use this
An affiliate network that connects bloggers and influencers with brands. Share a brand’s link and earn a commission when someone buys.
- You get paid
- Commission on sales, often 10 to 30% depending on the brand
- Effort
- Medium: you need a blog, website, or social following
- Good to know
- Free to join. Each brand decides whether to accept you, and earnings grow with steady content, not overnight.
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