The internet is a treasure trove of freebies if you know where to look. 

From samples and giveaways to promotional offers and rewards programmes, there are numerous ways you can get your hands on free stuff online. 

Here’s a guide to the best strategies and websites for scoring some great deals without having to spend a single penny.

1. Sign up for free samples

Many companies offer free samples of their products to attract new customers. This is especially common in the beauty, food and health sectors. Here are some popular websites to get started.

Magic Freebies UK – A comprehensive site that lists daily freebie offers, including beauty samples, food and drink, and household items.

Star Freebies – This is another excellent resource for finding free samples, competitions and other giveaways.

Latest Free Stuff – This popular site displays a wide range of free sample offers from brands across the UK.

2. Enter competitions and giveaways

Competitions and giveaways are a great way to get your hands on valuable items for free. Many companies and social media influencers run these to promote products and services. Keep an eye on:

Twitter/X and Instagram – Search for hashtags such as #giveaway, #competition and #win. Many brands and influencers host regular giveaways.

Facebook – Join giveaway groups such as UK Deals and Giveaways or follow pages dedicated to sharing competition links.

The Prize Finder – This is a dedicated website that lists hundreds of UK competitions across various categories.

3. Cashback and rewards apps

Several apps offer cashback or points that can be redeemed for free products. While these might require a small purchase initially, the rewards can be substantial.

Quidco – This cashback site allows you to earn money back on your online purchases, which can then be withdrawn as cash or used to buy gift cards.

TopCashback – Similar to Quidco, this site offers cashback on purchases from numerous retailers.

Swagbucks – Earn reward points (called SB) by shopping online, watching videos, taking surveys, and more. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards or cash.

4. Free trials

Many subscription services offer free trials, allowing you to use the service at no cost for a limited period. Some popular options include:

Amazon Prime – They offer a 30-day free trial, giving you access to free delivery, Prime Video, and various other perks. You can sign up here [affiliate link].

Netflix – While Netflix doesn’t offer a free trial any more in the UK, new users can still access promotional offers from time to time.

Audible – This leading audiobook site offers a 30-day free trial, which includes a free audiobook.

Don’t forget to make a note of when the free trial ends, and cancel in good time if you don’t want to start paying.

5. Giveaway groups

If you’re looking for larger items or household goods, local giveaway groups can connect you with people who have such items they are happy to pass on for free. Options include:

Freecycle – A network of local groups where people give away items they no longer need.

Gumtree – Check the ‘Freebies’ section for items being offered free of charge in your area.

Facebook Marketplace – Search for items listed for free within your local community.

6. Review products

Some companies offer free products in exchange for honest reviews. If you enjoy writing reviews, this can be a great way to access free stuff. Options worth trying include.

BzzAgent – Sign up to receive free products from leading brands to test and review.

Toluna – Participate in market research surveys and product testing opportunities.

Pinecone Research – This survey site often sends out products for review. You are also awarded points that can be exchanged for cash or prizes.

In addition, Amazon’s review programme, Amazon Vine, offers valuable items for free in exchange for reviewing them. Membership is by invitation only, but there are steps you can take to boost your chances of receiving one. See my article about Amazon Vine on Mouthy Money for further info.

7. Student freebies

Students can take advantage of various free offers and discounts. 

If you have a valid student ID, you can access a range of freebies and deals via websites such as the following…

UNiDAYS – This site promotes a wide range of discounts and offers to students.

StudentBeans – Similar to UNiDAYS, this site lists deals, discounts and freebies for UK students.

Save the Student -: This popular website covering most aspects of student life has a large section devoted to deals, discounts and freebies.

8. Digital freebies

Finally, don’t forget the vast array of digital freebies available online, including:

E-books – Websites such as Project Gutenberg have thousands of free, out-of-copyright e-books you can download.

Courses – Platforms such as Coursera, edX and FutureLearn offer free online courses on a wide range of subjects.

Software – Many open-source software options are available for free download.  SourceForge is a good place to start.

Tips for success

Stay organised – Use a dedicated email address for sign-ups to avoid cluttering up your main inbox.

Be persistent – Check freebie sites and apps regularly to catch the latest offers. The most popular ones may vanish quickly!

Read the terms and conditions – Ensure you understand the terms of any offer to avoid unexpected charges or commitments.

Closing thoughts

With a bit of effort and persistence, you really can access a wide range of free products and services online. By this means you can potentially save yourself hundreds of pounds on things you might otherwise have had to pay for. In these challenging times, that really can help your hard-earned income stretch a little further.

Good luck, and enjoy your online freebie hunting!

As always, if you have any comments to share about this article, please do leave them below.

Nick Daws writes for Pounds and Sense, a UK personal finance blog aimed especially (though not exclusively) at over-fifties.

Photo credits: Pexels

The post How to get free stuff online appeared first on Mouthy Money.

Getting older inevitably brings challenges, but thankfully there are some benefits as well. Among these is the range of discounts and freebies you become eligible for. In this article I’ll set out ten of the best for people aged 60 and over.

1. free prescriptions and eye tests

Everyone in the UK aged 60 or over is entitled to free prescriptions and eye tests. Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for help with other NHS costs as well, e.g. dental treatment. The Age UK website has more information about this.

2. Free Bus Pass

Anyone in England is entitled to a bus pass for free off-peak travel once they reach the State Pension age (currently 66). In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland you become eligible for free bus travel at the age of 60. You can find out more on this government website.

• If you’re 60 or over and live in London, you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

3. Reduced Price National Trust Membership

Over-60s can get a quarter off the cost of National Trust membership as long as they’ve been a member for at least the last three consecutive years. You have to phone them on 0344 800 1895 and ask for this – you can’t apply online for it. Once you’ve received the discount once, though, it should be applied automatically every year in future. English Heritage, Historic Scotland and CADW in Wales also offer discounts for the over-60s.

4. Senior Railcard

Senior Railcards are available to anyone aged 60 or over. They cost £30 a year (or £70 for three years) and entitle you to a third off most train journeys in the UK. You can also use them for first-class tickets, making travelling in style more affordable! You can buy a Senior Railcard at any staffed station, by phone, or via this website.

5. National Express Senior Coachcard

Over-60s can get a one-third discount on National Express coaches with the company’s Senior Coachcard. Card holders can also purchase £15 day returns to anywhere in the UK (excluding airports) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, as long as they book at least three days in advance. You can also get 15% off the price of an adult ‘Fully Flexible’ fare for coach travel to an event. 

The National Express Senior Coachcard costs just £15 plus £3 post and packing per year. Visit the National Express website for more info and to apply.

6. Cut Price Cinema Tickets

All the main cinema chains – and many independents – have special offers for the over-60s, including discounted screenings on certain days. Free refreshments (e.g. tea and cake) may also be provided. Phone or visit your local cinema to find out what concessions are available.

7. ATS Euromaster Club 60

Club 60 is a discount programme for the over-60s run by vehicle services chain ATS Euromaster. Membership is free and entitles you to a range of discounts, including 15% off batteries, tyres (certain brands only), exhausts, brakes and servicing, and MOTs for £32 or just £25 with a service. There are also freebies including a cup of coffee on every visit and a free vehicle health check. Visit the Club 60 website for more information and to sign up.

8. Boots Over 60s Rewards

If you’re over 60 and have a Boots Advantage Card, you can get a range of extra benefits, including 8 points for every pound you spend on Boots’ own brands and selected others (normally card-holders only get 4 points per pound spent). You can also get 300 Advantage Card points when you take a free Boots Hearing Health Check. 

Each Advantage Card point is worth 1p, so 1000 points would be worth £10. You can spend your points online or in store. For more info and to apply, visit Boots’ Over 60s web page.

9. Dining Out Discounts

Some pubs and restaurants offer special deals and menus for the over-60s. For example, some Greene King pubs offer a ‘Seniors Menu’ with discounts on meals or a ‘Star Seniors Loyalty Scheme’ where you’ll receive larger discounts for frequent visits. Some Hungry Horse pubs offer ‘Golden Years’ menus with big discounts for over-60s. 

Discounts may only be available certain days and/or times. Offers vary, so the best advice is to check out your local pubs and see what offers for older people they have available.

10. Gyms and Swimming Pools

Most local authority swimming pools and leisure centres have discounts for older people. Some privately owned clubs also offer discounts. 

For example, Better Leisure Centres offer reduced-price Better Health Senior membership for people aged 66 and over. Members enjoy access to swimming pools and fitness classes, and can also take part in dedicated activities for senior members, from walking football to aqua aerobics. More info can be found here.

Of course, the above list only scratches the surface of what’s on offer for older people. If in doubt, it’s always worth asking whether a discount is available. There may not be – but if you don’t ask, you’ll never know!

• Bonus! For even more freebies and discounts, check out Over 60s Discounts, a new website recently set up by a near-neighbour of mine!

Nick Daws writes for Pounds and Sense, a UK personal finance blog aimed especially (though not exclusively) at over-fifties.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

The post The best discounts and freebies for older people appeared first on Mouthy Money.