Before making a purchase, you probably check online to see what other people have to say about the product or service. These reviews – often with a 5-star rating system – have an enormous effect on people’s purchasing decisions.

The UK CMA (Competition & Markets Authority) estimate that over £20 billion of sales are a direct result of positive reviews. In separate research in 2016 they also found that a 1/3 of consumers were disappointed by something they’d bought online having trusted the excellent reviews they’d read beforehand. None of us can afford to waste our hard-earned cash in this way. If you do face problems funding purchases, Online Credit USA is a reputable forum to apply for payday loans online.

Reviews are important money earners for businesses, but how can you tell if a review is genuine or a fake? There are some signs that should make you wary of reviewers’ comments.

Style of English

Realising the money to be made from online reviews, some companies hire writing mills (often located in the Indian sub-continent) to churn out online reviews. Although they might pride themselves on the high standard of their English, you can sometimes spot a fake review because the English just doesn’t sound natural. Also, there might be inappropriate use of capitals and/or punctuation marks especially overuse of exclamation marks to transmit a feeling of enthusiasm.

Content

When reading online reviews, consider what information you’ve actually been given about the product or service. Gross generalizations such as ‘Best ever!’ and ‘It changed my life!’ don’t really add anything to your understanding of the product and should be ignored.

On the other hand, lots of technical jargon might be the sign of a professional writer’s research. Similarly, if someone mentions the name of the product in full, it’s often the tell-tale sign of a pro. This would only be written as SEO content and is aimed at a search engine rather than other consumers.

Trust 3-/4-Star Ratings

Are you always 100% happy about your purchases? Often fake reviews cluster at the 2 extremes – enthusiastic 5-star ratings to boost sales or 1-star reviews to trash their rivals’ products. Ignore these reviews unless you feel they make a valid point and concentrate on the ratings in the middle. These are much more likely to be authentic and aren’t written with an eye to making money.

What are the alternatives to online reviews?

Instead of placing your trust in anonymous online reviewers, your research before buying a product or service should be more widespread. Ask around your family and friends for their own buying experiences or access blogs and other forums to see what is being said about these products. You’ll usually find that they discuss matters with more in-depth information and some disagreements too (which can help you decide).

One good example is a recent analysis of instant loans. Visit the page to see how they compared the claims of lenders with the reality to reach an unbiased decision.

Finding the right car insurance company can seem very complex, especially if you’ve never gone through the process on your own. There are many factors to consider, including but not limited to price, policy offerings, billing, claims, and customer interactions, which is why trying to compare insurance companies can really throw even the most brilliant among us for a loop. On top of all this, the persistent myth that the only feature that really matters is price can make one’s search even more challenging. And if you happen to be a millennial, the whole thing may seem unaffordable. But fear not, because where there’s a will, there’s the perfect car insurance for you.

How the search for auto insurance differs for millennials

Fact: nearly 23% of millennials live with their parents, up from 13.5% in 2005. And, while this cost-saving measure may be a financial help in several key ways, car insurance is not one of them. Millennials who live with their parents will pay up to 73% more for auto insurance than those who own their own home. The lucky generation’s premiums average $1750 per year, compared to averages of $1205 for those who own a single family home and $1009 for those who happen to own a condo. And since insurers include age, type of car, zip code, and driving record among their risk factors, millennials do tend to get the raw end of the deal relative to previous generations due to their relative lack of experience with both driving and credit.

The good news? Even if you’re living at your parents’ home and not yet ready to move out, shopping for car insurance regularly can yield real savings. After all, quotes from a variety of carriers can differ by up to a $1500, and careful, selective shopping can save more than $50,000 over the course of a lifetime. And, of course, as soon as you are ready to move out on your own, car insurance is one of the very first expenses to revisit. This is smart even if you don’t end up buying a home, as auto premiums change from zip code to zip code, so your new neighborhood may lead to lower rates.

How to pick the best car insurance for you

Although car insurance offerings are fundamentally the same for many common carriers, and although low cost is obviously a prime consideration, so is a company’s record on customer service, the overall customer experience and the nature and quality of the company’s claim service, among other things. No matter what you do, don’t count yourself among the many who simply pick an insurer after they buy their first car and don’t bother looking at the details of the policy for years to come, because it may come back to haunt you when you actually need to use it.

Consider the following tips on how best to select the car insurance that’s right for you:

• Do an annual rate check. Check rates from other companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Shop around. If you stick with the insurance company your parents use out of convenience, you might not get the best deal. Or have the best experience, for that matter.
• Ask for discounts. The best insurance companies offer discounts, among them are car insurance discounts for college students. You can usually find information about this when you apply online, but never hesitate to call a provider for more information.
• Pick an insurer with a reputation for dealing well with claims, payments, and non-claim problems too.
• Maintain good credit. Regularly check your credit score since a low score can really impact your premium.
• Set the right deductible. A higher deductible reduces your premium, but of course, you have to pay more in the event of an accident. If you have a good driving record, you may want to opt for a higher premium. It’s a risk, but you could save up to 40%.
• Review your coverage. Check to make sure you have enough liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Over time, costs and risk increase, and so should your coverage.
• Report reduced mileage. By driving less, you may qualify for a lower premium. If you’ve changed jobs, are now working from home, or have become unemployed, call your insurer.
• Take note of where your insurer sends you for repairs, as the repair shop may push for cheaper replacement parts rather than original equipment from the manufacturer (OEM parts).
• Choose the right car. Vehicle damage and associated repair costs are a big factor in the price of auto insurance. When looking for a new car, compare the data on collision by vehicle model.
• Don’t be loyal for the sake of being loyal. Unfortunately, sticking with the same company because it’s easier may not get you better rates over time. Some providers may even increase your rates indirectly because they know you’re in for the long haul.

If the above list overwhelms you, take solace in the fact that Clearsurance has already done most of the legwork for you — they’re empowering consumers by providing a transparent, unbiased look at insurance providers through crowdsourced reviews and ratings. Services like this are ideally suited to millennials looking to purchase car insurance for the first time as they go far beyond simply listing the best price: they provide real life ‘trust-scores’ and user experiences from which to glean valuable knowledge. Learn more about who consumers rate as the best car insurance companies in 2019 by visiting Clearsurance today!

Having bad credit can often make a person feel as if they have no chance of owning a home in the near future. This is not the case, and while it is definitely more difficult to obtain a mortgage with bad credit it is not impossible. There are multiple options available, in order to aid people with bad credit history to obtain the house.

Previously multiple lenders were founded in order to help people to receive mortgages with a bad credit history. These mortgages are known as bad credit mortgages or subprime mortgages and are not as readily available as before, due to them being thought as the reason behind the financial crisis that occurred in 2008.

Today, lenders tend to be a lot more stringent when it comes to granting mortgages, mostly due to new regulations that have been put into place. This makes it even more difficult than before to obtain a mortgage if your credit history is not up to scratch.

What is regarded as bad credit?

Your credit score is the number assigned to you by credit agencies. This number is dependent on many variables and shows your ability to pay debts, as well as your past history of making payments towards any debts and credit arrangements. It allows financing company is to see how reliable you are when it comes to returning any money you owe, allowing them to make a decision as to whether they are willing to take on the risk of providing you with finance.

What is defined as bad credit can vary greatly from one lender to another. Generally, you will be regarded as having bad credit if you have previously defaulted on payments, have CCJ’s or any bankruptcies.

Being unable to secure finance if you have not borrowed before can also cause problems when applying for a mortgage. Due to lenders not being able to assess whether you will make regular repayments as agreed in the terms of a mortgage, because of you having no past history of lending can make it very difficult for financing company is to be able to come to a conclusion as to whether you are a risk when it comes to lending you money.

If this is the case you would most probably not have the ability to access as many mortgage options as other people resulting in offers with higher interest payments. This means you will also have to resort to taking out a bad credit mortgage.

What is a subprime mortgage?

A bad credit mortgage is just like any other mainstream mortgage, with one slight difference: they except people who do not have an immaculate credit history. Bad credit mortgages tend to not be as financially beneficial as normal mortgages. Their repayment and interest terms will normally be a lot higher than the mortgage is offered to people with good credit ratings. This is done to safeguard lenders from any risks that you may pose.

Additionally, the amount of deposit required to obtain a subprime mortgage tends to be a lot higher than the normal 5 to 15% required on a mainstream mortgage. If you are having difficulty with obtaining this large sum of money there are government schemes available to help you do this. Help to buy schemes allow potential homeowners to borrow up to 20% of the property price interest-free for five years from the government. This may aid greatly when it comes to obtaining a bad credit mortgage.

The process of applying for a bad credit mortgage:

The best way to find a bad credit mortgage is usually by utilising a mortgage broker. These brokers have a vast amount of knowledge as to the mortgages available on the market and the terms, thus enabling them to better advise you as to which mortgage you are most likely to be accepted for.

It is important that you avoid continuously applying for several mortgages, especially if you have bad credit. Most mortgages are designed for people who have a history of making repayments on time and a good credit rating. This means that you are more than likely to be rejected the most mortgages, resulting in further damage to your credit score. Instead of applying to a whole host of mortgages, it might be a good idea to have a conversation with your bank especially if you have a long-standing relationship with them. They may be able to aid you in finding a mortgage that you qualify for. – ukpropertyfinance.co.uk

For a long time, property investment has been considered a more lucrative and promising venture than other types of investment. Investors are continuing to put their money into property, with the UK property market, in particular, attracting attention from around the globe. Despite uncertainty brought on by Brexit negotiations, the UK property market has remained strong, especially in cities with a good reputation for success.

Here are some of the reasons why UK property should be considered for your next investment move.

House price growth

While house price growth might be suffering in some parts of the UK such as London, other areas are continuing to thrive. The north-west has seen a steady growth in house prices and has presented the largest increase in property value compared to all other UK regions. Between July 2017 and 2018, house prices grew on average by 2.7 per cent in England, increased by 4.3 per cent in Wales, 4.8 per cent in Scotland and 4.4 per cent in Northern Ireland. In the north-west, house prices went up by 5.6 per cent, led by the region’s thriving key cities, Liverpool and Manchester.

Those that choose to invest in UK property in the north-west region should expect continued growth on the horizon. Predictions for the UK property market have revealed a five-year forecast with a 14.2 per cent average rise in UK property prices as a whole by 2022, and an 18.1 per cent growth expected for the north-west region. Big regeneration projects are taking place in the region’s key cities, including plans such as Liverpool Waters and St Johns in Manchester set to create new and vibrant city centre neighbourhoods.

As RW Invest explain in their article “Top 10 Tips for Getting Started in Property Investment”, house price growth is one of the primary reasons why so many people are investing in property. You can make some serious money out of the price rises, so long as you invest wisely. 

High rental yields

Rental yields are an important element of a buy to let investment. Like most aspects of the property market, the type of rental yields you can expect in some places won’t be the same as what you’d get in others. Luckily, a number of UK postcodes and cities have a track record for generating attractive rental yields. Some of the top performing cities for rental yields are Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham. Liverpool has a number of high performing rental yields and an average of 5.05 per cent, while Manchester boasts an average of 5.55 per cent. Nottingham follows behind with average yields of 4.46 per cent, and there are average 4.29 per cent yields in Leeds. With each of these top-performing cities being home to a number of popular universities, it’s evident that a large student population is a big driving force behind these high yields.

Growing demand

One of the final factors that can contribute to the success of property investment is a high level of demand for rental properties. In the UK, there’s a noticeable gap between supply and demand, with tenant demand increasing while the number of properties available for rent is falling. This shortfall in rental properties has been predicted to cause a 15 per cent rise in rental costs by the middle of 2023. While this might be bad news for renters, it’s a promising figure for buy to let investors hoping to generate higher rental yields on their property. Again, the north-west has been hit by a high level of demand, with rental price growth of 2.65 per cent in Liverpool and 5.76 per cent in Manchester. There’s been a recent rise in the number of people moving away from London and choosing to live up North. Manchester, in particular, has seen an influx of London leavers. People are selling their existing property in the capital to relocate, or moving to Manchester in the hope’s of buying their first home — something that’s a lot more difficult in London.

If you talk to self-employed people, you likely can conclude that they enjoy the freedom of a flexible schedule, being their own boss, not having to commute to work every day, and the rewarding feeling from doing something on your own. There are many perks of being self-employed that draw people in.

However, that isn’t to say there aren’t any downsides. In fact, there are a few significant ones that you should remember. One of the big factors of being self-employed is when the time comes to buy a house.

Buying a house while self-employed is doable. It does, though, require a bit more paperwork and possibly more money. Here are a few points to remember if you’re self-employed and buying a home.

You’re Considered Higher Risk

As you search out a lender for self-employed mortgage loans, you’ll soon see a common similarity – many lenders find independent entrepreneurs to be a higher risk for a mortgage compared to someone with a standard job.

You’re a higher risk because of the type of work you do. When you work for an employer, you have your set hours with a set wage that is typically consistent. The lender can see your income and decide whether or not you can afford the mortgage. Someone who is self-employed may not have the same consistency, making them riskier to determine if he or she can afford the mortgage payments.

You’ll Need More Documentation

Documentation is vital for someone who is self-employed and looking to get a mortgage. The more paperwork you have that shows your income and that you have consistency, the better your chances will be of getting approved.

Be prepared to show more than a pay stub or T4s you would get from an employer. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need documents like financial statements from a certified accountant, tax returns, type of business (sole proprietorship or corporation), and many other documents.

You May Pay More for the Mortgage

Someone who is a higher risk is likely to pay more for their mortgage. The monthly interest rate on a mortgage will most likely be higher than someone who is employed by a corporation getting a mortgage. You’ll have to determine if you can afford it, and if it is worth paying higher interest rates to get the mortgage.

It’s a good idea to still shop around from lender to lender, as not all interest rates will be the same. One mortgage broker may be more lenient for self-employed people compared to another one.

Don’t let being self-employed stop you from getting a mortgage for a new home. Many still acquire an affordable mortgage while they work from home.

Ensuring you have the proper documentation and have a sizeable down payment will help better your chances of getting approved. Also, make sure you have a good credit score.

Planning for the day you speak to a lender will also be helpful. Budget your finances so that you always know you have enough money set aside to pay your mortgage.

Canada is the ideal travel location for tourists looking for new worldly experience. This country can introduce you to loads of adventure, food, entertainment as well as tourist attractions.

However, you will have to do all your transactions there in Canadian dollar, CAD, even if you are from neighboring USA. Besides, it is much cheaper to transact with the local currency, CAD than your home money.

For this reason, you will need to be familiar with the different exchange options available in Canada. It does not matter if you opt to change some of your money home, in Canada or at the airport. Being familiar with the currency exchange Ottawa airport, Toronto city, or anywhere in Canada can help you choose the right option, among the few available.  

Here are the five best currency exchange options for travellers in Canada.

• Banks

Before you leave for Canada, do some research to see if your home bank has partnerships with any Canadian banks or if it belongs to the Global ATM Alliance. As this can allow you to get cheaper or zero withdrawal fees from some Canadian ATMs.

In relation, you can transfer your money between countries if you know someone in Canada or if you have a Canadian bank account. This option can give you the best exchange rate, as you get to use the real mid-market exchange rate or interbank rate. It is quick convenient and does not have any hidden fees.

• ATMs

ATMs are everywhere in Canada, making them easier to find. However, they generally charge a fee for any withdrawals on foreign currency and some extra costs that your home bank may charge.

Nonetheless, if your bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance, look for banks that are within this partnership in Canada. As it means you will withdraw your money at a lower fee or free. You can also check if your bank has a branch or partner in Canada, to minimize your ATM withdrawal charges.

In addition, dynamic currency conversion, DCC also applies on ATM cash withdrawals in Canada. Therefore, if you are asked to be charged in your home currency, decline and opt to be charged in the local currency, the Canadian dollar.

Another tip is, never allow a foreign ATM to convert your currency for you. They usually have worse rates than your home bank.

• Debit and credit cards

Canada usually accepts major cards like visa and MasterCard, with American express being used slightly. However, it is wise to have some cash on you, in case your card refuses to work or is stolen.

Moreover, if you opt to use your credit or debit card in Canada do not allow it to be charged in your home currency, but rather opt for a local currency charge. The term for this is dynamic currency conversion, DCC and it will give you a worse rate between your home currency and the Canadian dollar, not forgetting the usual additional fees.

In addition, let your Credit Card Company or bank know of your travel plans to Canada, to avoid fraud alerts and account freezing.

• Foreign exchange bureaus

The Canadian dollar is usually available, so it does not matter if you opt to buy it at home or in Canada. Foreign currency exchange rates are subject to change any minute and if you do your research well, the rates might just be similar at home and in Canada.

Therefore, if you do not want to carry loads of cash to Canada, you can make small exchanges at the airport kiosks. However, the rates are likely to be better in towns than at airports and hotels.

Anyhow, always look for any hidden fees if you want to exchange your money at Forex bureaus. Also, avoid those with zero commission exchange, as their rates are often bad. You can compare these Forex bureau rates to the mid-market rate or interbank rate, to see how you will fair in this trade.

Another point is that Forex bureaus in Canada often prefer to change notes that are in good condition, no torn or damaged notes.

• Traveller′s cheques

Traveller′s cheques are not common in Canada and may subject you to additional fees. They are likely not to be accepted outside tourist areas, meaning you will need to go to the bank to cash and exchange them.

Besides, their exchange rates are less favorable, leaving many tourists in Canada with ATMs and cards for their foreign currency exchange.

Conclusion

Conclusively, a bit of research on Canadian money, ATMs, cards, banks and exchange rates is better than hoping for the best once you land. So take the time and be ready for your trip with all eyes open.

In March 2018, the U.S. President announced that America will now apply a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tax on aluminum coming from abroad. This was quite the decision, especially considering the fact that America is the world’s largest steel importer.

The overall reaction was fierce and the global stock markets tumbled as investors became concerned over escalating tensions and their effects on global growth. Stock markets have however, recovered as they recently recorded their highest level of 2019 among investor optimism as trade negotiations resume in Washington.

Although talks between the U.S. and China will continue this week, investors won’t really know if any key issues are resolved such as market access, intellectual property enforcement, currency manipulation, more American goods being bought by China, and so on.

This uncertainty creates higher market volatility that can affect your trading performance. It’s recommended that you are prepared for this instability and volatility that can impact different asset classes according to the evolution of the trade war situation.

It’s pretty straight forward.

Every time discussions escalate between the U.S. and China, investor sentiment becomes quite pessimistic which weighs on the price of many financial assets. If commercial war escalates, international trade will reduce and in turn, hurt global growth. Investors then seek less risky assets such as safe haven instruments like Gold.

Indeed, Gold is an asset that tends to outperform in times of political and economic uncertainty and high stock market volatility. This market phenomenon, when investors sell higher-risk investments to buy safer ones, is called flight-to-quality or flight-to-safety.

When talks ease and show signs of improvement with new agreements, investors then become more optimistic and ready to buy back more risky assets like stocks and indices.

As you can see, there are great opportunities to profit from, regardless of the investors’ sentiment. You should then adapt your trading method to these situations of pessimism and optimism to make the most it.

It could be a good idea to be trading financial instruments like derivatives that can allow you to profit from both rising and falling markets, as it could greatly improve your results. Remember that a strategy often deteriorates with time and needs adjustments. This especially true, as no ttrading methodis profitable forever, because it doesn’t work in every type of markets (rangy, bullish, bearish).

Sometimes credit card debt can sneak up on you, thanks to a thousand little purchases you needed to make at a thousand different times. Sometimes your debt is large enough that there’s no chance of avoiding it, such as a big repair bill or hospital bill you need to pay off but can’t afford to pay it all at once. Either way, card debt can quickly become a serious problem if you aren’t able to pay off your balance every month. The interest rates usually aren’t kind, so it’s important to know how to handle these debts and improve your situation.

1. Debt Consolidation

Image via Flickr by ThomasKohler

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While short-term loans are a quick and easy way to get some cash, they often make it difficult for people to get out of debt. High interest rates and fees often have people desperate for money finding themselves stuck in the cycle of debt and repayment. Luckily, there are many borrowing options that can help you avoid this. Even when you have no better option than taking out a loan, you should do your best to find one with reasonable interest rates.

It is important to resist credit loans for non-essential purchases. While short-term loans can make it worse when you need to pay for rent, bills, or other essentials, it doesn’t make sense for purchases like clothes or a night out either. Instead you should speak to a debt advisor or an organization that can provide help with debt advice for free.

Don’t spend more money to try to end your problems with money. If you need to borrow, there are the following options to help you avoid short-term loans. Still, according to specialists from MoneyPug, a site commonly used to compare loans, it is entirely possible to find a reasonable interest rate if you are forced to take a loan out.

Advance in Salary

The most common situation is when someone runs out of money before they get paid. If this happens to you, you always have the option to ask your employer for an advance. While every employer has their own policy, if you are receiving benefits you may be able to repay the advance with them. Your employer may say no, but it never hurts to ask. You may end up being surprised by their response.

Borrow from Loved Ones

Another situation is when an unexpected emergency occurs. In this scenario, it may be best to borrow money from your family or friends. That way you can take care of the emergency and establish a plan to repay the borrowed money. You should discuss what will happen if you take too long to pay it back and consider putting the agreement into writing to assuage trepidation.

Borrow from a Credit Union

Another affordable way to avoid short-term loans is borrowing from a credit union. This can be particularly beneficial because there is a limit on what credit unions can charge for interest in the UK. For example, they can charge three percent a month or 42.6 percent a year in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is even lower in Northern Ireland, with rates at one percent a month and 26.8 percent a year.

Use Credit

A credit card can be a very useful tool in order to borrow money, but it is key to keep up with payments. Otherwise you will find yourself deep in the rabbit hole of credit. Using a credit card for purchases and withdrawals can really help out, but the interest rates are still very high. If you keep your spending down, pay the bill every month, and use it only in dire situations, you will be able to effectively increase your credit score while avoiding debt. If you pay each month it will still be cheaper than a high interest short-term loan.

Authorized Overdraft

If you find yourself in a bind at the end of the week or month, you can always use an authorized overdraft on your bank account. While there will be hefty fees associated with overdrafts, they are still cheaper than repaying loans. Staying within the limit can help avoid fees. This should only be used in certain circumstances. Like other methods of borrowing it can lead to continued problems with money.

Welfare

Finally, another option to avoid short-term loans is applying for welfare. If you’re struggling to buy food, clothes, or heat your home, you will likely be approved for essentials. Varying from region to region, welfare can provide food at food banks, vouchers, pre-payment cards, and even furniture.

There are many options to borrow money. The chances are you don’t need to use high interest short-term loans. But if you find yourself in a bind and none of these options will do, make sure to get the best interest rate and the smallest amount of fees possible. You will thank yourself in the end.

It’s no surprise that Amazon stands as the top online retailer today. With millions of items to choose from and fast shipping, consumers have fallen in love with Amazon and everything it has to offer. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could earn a free Amazon gift card by doing something as simple as sharing your feedback or watching short videos?

Though it may sound too good to be true, there are in fact tried and true ways that you can earn gift cards by completing simple tasks! Keep reading to learn about the many ways you can earn an Amazon gift card for free.

Sign up for Swagbucks

Swagbucks enables you to earn Amazon gift cards each month. What’s even better is that the tasks you have to complete are very simple. One of the top ways to earn gift cards on the site is to take paid surveys and polls. Surveys pay anywhere from 10-90 points, also known as SBs. Each SB you earn can be used towards cashing out for an Amazon gift card.

As a Swagbucks user, there are many other ways to earn points as well. Aside from surveys, you can also:

• Use the search engine
• Watch videos
• Play games
• Download mobile apps

You can even earn points by referring friends. Once you’ve earned 1,000 points, you can redeem them for a $10 gift card. The more points you earn the higher gift card amount you can redeem which means more money you have available to spend!

Take Surveys on Survey Junkie

One of the most popular online paid survey websites is Survey Junkie. Paid surveys are a simple way to earn points that you can use towards Amazon gift cards and other rewards. Survey Junkie is beneficial in that it rewards users for signing up. You also earn points for completing your profile, confirming your email, and taking the “How it Works” tour.

Survey Junkie surveys vary. Some are short and only pay 10 points while others are a little longer and pay 60 points. You can see what a survey pays and how long it’s expected to take before you commit to it. This is a nice perk that allows you to take the most advantageous surveys for your schedule.

Use Ibotta

With Ibotta, you can earn cash back on items that you purchase on a daily basis. Ibotta offers cash back on groceries, clothing, electronics, and even at bars and restaurants. By downloading and using Ibotta, you earn money for just shopping!

There are cash back rebates available from more than 230 stores. After going shopping, you upload a picture of your receipt to verify your purchase, and then cash is credited to your account.

While you could choose to cash out your earnings for money, you also have the option to put your earnings on an Amazon gift card.

Trade in Items on Amazon

While you could choose to sell unused items around your home, if you’re itching for an Amazon gift card, consider using the Amazon trade-in program. Using this program you can trade in used items such as tablets, cellphones, laptops, video game consoles, cameras, books, and other items for Amazon gift cards.

The trade-in program offers immediate offers. What’s beneficial about this Amazon program is that you don’t have to take the time and effort needed to list your items online in order to attract potential buyers. Instead, you can just trade-in the item on Amazon; very minimal work needed!

This makes earning Amazon gift cards an absolute breeze.

Amazon Mechanical Turk

Another program run by Amazon that allows you to earn gift cards is Mechanical Turk. Mechanical Turk is a system that allows everyday humans to complete microtasks for money. While you won’t make hundreds of dollars using the site, if you complete enough tasks, you can definitely earn enough to have a sizeable Amazon gift card.

On the site, there’s a variety of tasks that you can complete. For example, you may transcribe audio, take surveys, decide if the content is SFW (Safe For Work) or NSFW (Not Safe For Work), edit content, and identify images.

After completing a task, your work is reviewed. When approved, money is credited to your account. What’s nice about Mechanical Turk is that the tasks are truly effortless. Some take just a few seconds to complete, which means you can complete dozens of them during your free time.

Conclusion

Most people have to spend their hard earned money in order to have access to Amazon gift cards. But, with the options above, you can earn gift cards without spending any of your own money. All you have to do is answer short surveys, trade in items you already own, or complete other simple online tasks.