Reward Yourself: Rebate and Loyalty Programs that Pay

We have recently shared tips on getting things for free. You know it is possible to get something for nothing and now we’re going to share ideas on simple ways to earn cash and rewards. There are a lot of scams and offers out there that will cost you more money than it’s worth, but we have found some legitimate ways to make a little extra online. There are companies willing to reward you for participation or feedback and some even provide incentives for things you already do.

You probably search for things online every day. If you use Google or your internet provider’s search box, you are missing out on free money. Swagbucks is a program that pays you to search the internet and provides answers through Google & Ask.com. You earn Swag Bucks for your activities, which are redeemable for prizes and gift certificates.

You can also earn certificates and prizes for providing your opinion. Write a product review at Epinions and get paid when people find your opinion useful. Complete surveys on Ipsos, Memolink, MyPoints and Sunshine Rewards. The last few also reward you for shopping and additional activities. You will earn back a percentage of your purchase in their shopping malls towards gift certificates. Ebates has a cash rebate program when you shop their partner stores.

UPromise.com is a little more unique in the benefits it offers. Through their college savings program, you can earn money for a 529 plan with their online partners as well as offline activities. Add your credit card and store savings cards to your account to earn money for your children’s college fund when you buy groceries, dine and travel.

There are many other unique way to make money online. If you have specialized knowledge or are a writer, you can contribute articles at eHow. You will earn money based on the popularity of your how-to. You can also make money from your old stuff. Besides online auctions, there are more ways to unload your excess for cash. Sell your books or movies on Half.com, list your used items at Amazon and sell or recycle your old gadgets at Gazelle.

Be careful, though, that you don’t fall into the trap of trying to do everything all at once. You’ll find you spend too much time on the computer for very little reward. The key is to pick one or two things you already do or would enjoy doing and focus on reaping the benefits.