Top Money Savings And Management Apps With Sign-On Bonuses

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In today’s digital-first marketplace, money-saving apps have become essential tools for managing finances effectively. These platforms enable users to earn rewards, save on everyday expenses, and even invest their spare change. To attract new users, many apps offer enticing sign-on bonuses — one-time rewards in the form of cash, points or credits that provide immediate value.

A Bankrate survey found that 63 percent of smartphone users in the U.S. have downloaded at least one money-saving app, with sign-up bonuses often being a key factor in their decision. Bonuses for cash-back apps typically range from $5 to $20, helping users kickstart their financial goals with minimal effort.

Explore the top cash-back, rewards and money management apps offering sign-up bonuses to maximize your financial benefits.

What is a sign-on bonus?

A sign-on bonus is a promotional reward offered to new users when they join an app or service. These bonuses often require users to complete specific actions, such as making a purchase or setting up direct deposit.

Why are sign-on bonuses valuable?

• Immediate savings: A $10 bonus can offset the cost of groceries or other essentials.
• Investment kickstarts: Bonuses from apps like Acorns and Stash can help grow your portfolio.
• Low entry barriers: Most bonuses are unlocked with minimal effort, such as registering or linking a payment method.

Common types of sign-up bonuses

• Cash back: Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta offer direct cash rewards.
• Points: Apps such as Fetch Rewards let users collect points that are convertible to gift cards or other perks.
• Referral bonuses: Earn additional rewards when you refer friends, as seen with Chime or Dosh.

Top apps offering sign-on bonuses

Cash-back apps

Cash-back apps reward you for spending at participating retailers, making them an easy way to save money on purchases you’re already making.

Dosh

• Bonus: $10 referral bonus after signing up and making your first purchase.
• How it works: Link your credit or debit card to earn automatic cash back at restaurants, retailers and hotels. Rewards can be transferred to your bank account, Venmo or PayPal after reaching $15.
• Pro tip: Maximize rewards by using Dosh for dining out and travel bookings.

Fetch Rewards

• Bonus: 2,000 points (equivalent to $2) upon sign-up.
• How it works: Earn points by uploading receipts from any store. Redeem points for gift cards to retailers like Amazon and CVS.
• Pro tip: Scan receipts within 14 days of purchase to ensure eligibility for rewards.

Ibotta

• Bonus: 100 percent cash-back bonus on Thanksgiving dinner for new users.
• How it works: Browse offers in the app, add them to your account and scan your receipt or link your loyalty card to receive cash back. Withdraw earnings after reaching $20 in rewards.
• Pro tip: Look for bonus offers to save even more on specific items.

Rakuten

• Bonus: $10 bonus after your first purchase.
• How it works: Shop through Rakuten’s app or browser extension to earn cash back at over 3,500 retailers. Cash out via PayPal or check.
• Pro tip: Use Rakuten for large purchases like electronics to maximize cash-back percentages, which can reach up to 15 percent during promotions.

Rewards apps

Rewards apps expand earning opportunities by offering points or cash for activities like surveys and online shopping.

InboxDollars

• Bonus: $5 sign-up bonus.
• How it works: Earn money by reading emails, completing surveys, and trying new products. Request a payout once your account reaches $15.
• Pro tip: Prioritize high-paying surveys and tasks to reach the payout threshold faster.

MyPoints

• Bonus: $10 gift card after spending $20 through the site in the first 30 days.
• How it works: Shop, take surveys and play games to earn points redeemable for cash or gift cards.
• Pro tip: Combine MyPoints with Rakuten for extra savings on the same purchase.

Swagbucks

• Bonus: $10 bonus after spending $25 at a Swagbucks shop.
• How it works: Complete surveys, watch videos and shop online to earn SB points, redeemable for cash or gift cards.
• Pro tip: Focus on high-point activities to accumulate rewards quickly.

Money management apps

Money management apps help users budget, save and invest, often with bonuses to encourage sign-ups.

Acorns

• Bonus: $10 sign-up bonus after your first deposit.
• How it works: Round up purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the spare change. Set up recurring deposits for consistent growth.
• Pro tip: Use Acorns Later to take advantage of retirement savings options.

Chime

• Bonus: $100 bonus for setting up direct deposit via a referral.
• How it works: Enjoy fee-free banking with features like early direct deposit and automatic savings. Chime’s savings account offers a competitive 2 percent APY.
• Pro tip: Use Chime’s roundup feature to build your savings effortlessly.

Stash

• Bonus: $50 bonus after investing your first $5.
• How it works: Invest in fractional shares of stocks and ETFs with as little as $1. Stash offers curated options and financial education resources.

Pro tip: Leverage Stash’s educational tools to enhance your investment knowledge.

How to maximize sign-on bonuses

If you plan strategically, you can max out your rewards with sign-up bonuses. Try the following tips:

Stay organized: Track deadlines to meet bonus requirements, as offers often expire within 30 to 90 days.

Tips for success

1. Research multiple apps: Compare sign-up bonuses to identify the most lucrative options for your financial habits. Apps offering higher rewards may require specific actions, such as spending thresholds, so assess whether you can realistically meet the criteria.
2. Use apps strategically: Align bonus offers with your planned purchases. For instance, sign up for Rakuten before making a significant online purchase to earn the bonus and additional cash back.
3. Combine multiple apps: For example, use Fetch Rewards to scan your grocery receipt, while also claiming cash back on specific items through Ibotta.
4. Monitor referral opportunities: Share referral links with family and friends to earn extra bonuses. This approach works particularly well during special promotions that boost referral payouts.

Additional ways to save and earn

In addition to leveraging sign-up bonuses, consider using multiple apps together to maximize rewards. For instance, use Fetch Rewards and Ibotta for grocery shopping, or pair Rakuten with MyPoints for online shopping. Some users find success combining app rewards with retailer-specific loyalty programs, creating a stacking effect that significantly boosts savings.

Explore seasonal promotions

Many apps offer enhanced rewards during holidays or special events. For example, Ibotta’s Thanksgiving promotion provides 100 percent cash back on holiday dinner staples, while Rakuten frequently increases its cash-back rates during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Refer friends for extra bonuses

Most apps offer referral programs that reward you for bringing in new users. For instance, Dosh provides an additional $5 to $10 per referral, while Chime offers $100 for every friend who signs up and sets up a direct deposit. Sharing your referral links through social media or email can be an effortless way to earn extra income.

Automate your savings

Apps like Acorns and Chime make saving money seamless by automating deposits or rounding up purchases. Automation helps you stay consistent and allows your savings to grow without requiring active management. Consider setting up a recurring transfer to your savings or investment account to build financial stability over time.

Choosing the right apps for your goals

Not every app will suit every user’s needs, so it’s important to have an idea of your end goal before committing to one. When deciding which apps to download, consider your financial goals (not just the sign-on bonuses) to ensure they match the app:

• Budgeting: Use Chime or Stash for better money management.
• Shopping savings: Rakuten and Fetch Rewards excel at providing discounts and gift cards.
• Investing: Acorns and Stash are ideal for beginners looking to start small.
• General rewards: Swagbucks and InboxDollars offer versatile ways to earn points or cash for various activities.

To determine which apps work best for you, experiment with several options. Track your rewards over a few months to see which platforms align most with your spending and saving habits. Be mindful of app fees or withdrawal minimums, as these can impact your overall savings and bonuses. 

Safeguard your information

While money-saving apps are convenient, protecting your financial information is crucial. Only use trusted apps with robust security measures, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, and ensure you have these enabled on your account. Take advantage of reviews and verify app ratings before sharing sensitive data like credit card numbers or bank account details. 

The bottom line

Sign-on bonuses are an easy way to enhance your financial well-being. Whether you’re earning cash back with Rakuten, saving on groceries with Ibotta, or starting your investment journey with Acorns, these apps offer valuable rewards for minimal effort.