This page is exactly what it sounds like — real, legitimate ways to get free cash or rewards for things you were probably going to do anyway, like switching your bank account or shopping online. No surveys, no “work from home” schemes, just straightforward sign-up bonuses and cashback.
Some links below are affiliate/referral links, meaning I may earn a small reward if you sign up through them — often at no extra cost to you, and sometimes it even boosts your bonus too. I’m not a financial advisor; always check the current terms directly with each provider before signing up, as offers and amounts change.
Banking Bonuses
Digital banks compete hard for new customers, which means real cash bonuses just for opening an account and using it a little.
- Monzo — sign up and make one card payment within 30 days to receive a reward (Offers have ranged between £5-£100 previously)
- Starling — occasional promotional perks for new customers, worth checking current offers
You can open accounts with more than one digital bank and claim each one’s bonus separately — there’s no rule against holding several.
Cashback Sites
- TopCashback — get a percentage of your spending back when you shop online through their links, on things you were buying anyway (holidays, insurance, everyday shopping)
- QuidCo – another great cashback app, which I have found tracks cashback quickly
- Jam Doughnut – I love this app as it’s instant cashback. You search through hundreds of retailers then buy a gift card for the amount you need – from groceries to day experiences, they have so many retailers to choose from!
Energy & Bills
- Switching energy providers — some providers offer decent one-off switching credit, worth checking before you renew your current tariff
Savings & Investing Apps
- Round-up savings apps (like Chip) — automate small savings without thinking about it, and some offer referral bonuses on top
- Trading212 — some platforms offer free shares or bonus credit for signing up, though remember investing carries risk and the value of investments can go down as well as up
Hosting & Blogging
- Hostinger (what I personally use for this site) — a solid affordable option if you’re thinking about starting your own blog
A tip for stacking these: a good starting combo is one banking bonus, one energy-switch credit, and an ongoing cashback site — that gives you an immediate one-off win plus an ongoing background income stream from cashback on spending you were doing anyway.
Bonus amounts and terms change often, so I’ll keep this page updated — but always double-check the live offer on the provider’s own site before signing up.