12 free things I got just for signing up

Signing up for memberships, apps, or loyalty programs can feel like giving away your email address for nothing. But when the perks actually pay off, it’s worth it. A lot of companies hand out freebies or credits to new members, and if you know where to look, you can collect some decent rewards without spending anything.

These are the free things I’ve been able to grab just for signing up.

Free Birthday Treats from Restaurants

Many chain restaurants offer free food or drinks when you join their loyalty programs. Places like Dunkin’, Starbucks, and Panera often send coupons for free birthday items.

Even better, some don’t require a purchase to claim the freebie. If you sign up ahead of time, you can stack several offers and enjoy a handful of free meals or snacks during your birthday month.

Cash Back from Rakuten

Rakuten gives new members a sign-up bonus when you make your first qualifying purchase through their site or app. Sometimes it’s cash back, and other times it’s a flat-dollar bonus.

If you’re going to shop online anyway, it’s an easy way to get money back right from the start. After that, you keep earning cash back with each purchase, so the first sign-up deal is only the beginning.

Amazon Prime Free Trial Perks

When you sign up for an Amazon Prime free trial, you don’t just get fast shipping. You also get access to Prime Video, Prime Reading, and even grocery delivery perks in some areas.

If you time your trial during the holidays or a busy shopping season, you can take advantage of all the benefits without paying for the subscription right away.

Free Samples from Sephora

Sephora’s Beauty Insider program gives you free samples, and when you sign up, you’ll often receive bonus offers. New members also get a free birthday gift every year.

The samples are a great way to test products before buying the full size, and since the points don’t expire, you can save them up for larger rewards.

Store Credit from Ibotta

Ibotta often gives new users a welcome bonus after scanning their first receipt. It may be a few dollars in credit, but it’s money you can transfer straight to your bank or PayPal once you meet the minimum.

Pair that with the ongoing cash-back offers, and the sign-up deal is a good incentive to start using the app consistently.

Discounts from Grocery Delivery Apps

Apps like Instacart or Shipt regularly offer free delivery credits or discount codes when you create a new account. Some even give two weeks of waived service fees.

If you’re already planning to order groceries online, that credit can save you a chunk of money on your first order. It’s one of the easiest ways to test out the service without fully committing.

Free Book from Audible

Audible gives new members a free audiobook when they start a trial. Even if you cancel before the trial ends, you get to keep the book in your library.

Since audiobooks can cost $15 or more, it’s a worthwhile freebie, especially if you pick something you’ll enjoy long-term.

Extra Storage from Google One Trial

Google sometimes offers free Google One trials that give you additional cloud storage space for a set period. This is especially helpful if you’re running out of room on your Gmail or Google Photos.

Even after the trial ends, you can decide whether it’s worth paying for more storage, but the free time can help you catch up on organizing files.

Free Drink Coupons from Gas Station Apps

Gas station apps like 7-Eleven or Circle K often reward you with free drinks or snacks when you first sign up. They’re quick wins that don’t require any spending.

Since most people end up at a gas station regularly, having the app handy can lead to even more freebies or discounts later.

Streaming Service Free Trials

New streaming platforms like Apple TV+, Hulu, or Paramount+ often give free trial periods ranging from 7 days to a month. Some even extend it through promotions.

If you rotate between services, you can enjoy different shows and movies without paying for multiple subscriptions at the same time.

Gym Guest Passes

Many gyms offer free guest passes when you sign up for their newsletter or app. It’s usually a 3- to 7-day pass that lets you test out the facilities.

It’s a smart way to see if a gym works for you before committing to a membership. If you take advantage of multiple offers in your area, you can get in quite a few free workouts.

Pet Store Rewards

Pet stores like Petco or PetSmart often give a free bag of pet food, treats, or a coupon for signing up for their loyalty program. It’s especially helpful since pet supplies can get pricey.

When combined with ongoing rewards, those first free items are a nice bonus for expenses you’d be paying anyway.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.