YOUR MONEY
12 Ways to Score Free Stuff
So many freebies are there for the taking — stop missing out on your share. ::
BY JILL SCHILDHOUSE I 1
t’s no secret that inflation is taking a bite out of everyone’s wallet these days. But the good news is that many companies are
quietly offering perks and protections that can help offset the sting. From automatic credit card
reimbursements to birthday “gifts” and exclusive deals for seniors, you might already be entitled to valuable financial extras and discounts you aren’t taking advantage of. Here’s what you can get, and how to get it.
RETURN PROTECTION — EVEN IF STORES SAY ‘NO’
If you’ve ever been stuck with something you want to return but can’t, check your wallet — not for a receipt, but for an American Express card. Many Amex cards include return
protection, which reimburses you up to $300 per item (up to $1,000 annually) if a store refuses to take back something within 90 days. Just file a claim through Amex. Call 800- 297-8019 for details.
2
CAPITAL ONE SHOPPING APP You don’t need a Capital One
credit card to use the Capital One Shopping portal or app. Just log in with any Capital One account, search for your favorite retailer(s), and earn automatic credit card rewards, statement credits, or cash back at major retailers like Macy’s,
76 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | OCTOBER 2025
Walmart, and Walgreens. Note that participating retailers
and cash back/reward amounts change frequently, so check back often. Some discounts are up to 30%.
3
CASH BACK WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE
“Using deal sites is a great way to earn cash back when you shop,” says Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert at
TrueTrae.com. “For example, when you install
the Sidekick browser extension from CouponCabin and you shop at
Wine.com, you can earn 7% back on your purchase. Or 8.5% cashback at Benefit, 7.5% at TurboTax, and 8.5% at Rosetta Stone.”
4
AIRLINE REIMBURSEMENTS If your flight is delayed, canceled,
or your bag is lost, you may be entitled to meals, compensation, or hotel stays from the airline, but you have to ask.
Visit the airline’s Contract of Carriage page or use tools like AirHelp to see what you’re owed.
5
FREE CLASSES Many national chains offer free
workshops (some even offer a coupon for attending). Check out: Home Depot and Lowe’s: DIY home
improvement classes Michaels: Arts and crafts projects Williams Sonoma: Cooking demonstrations Sephora: Skincare and makeup classes
6
BIRTHDAY MEALS Dozens of nationwide restaurant
chains offer birthday freebies just for signing up for their loyalty programs. Bodge says these include: $30 gift card at Benihana Free 2.5-ounce scoop of ice cream at
Baskin-Robbins Free stack of original buttermilk
©ISTOCK
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