Regardless of the application, if there’s a buzz about it, it’s on my device. Ads can entice anyone, but I pay little mind to the notion that they may be a ruse to snag my personal information. In my view, my data is already out there, and hesitating now is pointless. I’m here to tap into the perks offered by these trendy, often fleeting, venture capital-fueled apps. While the true rewards can be scant, there are times when they bestow delightful freebies. The joy of exchanging my data and time for these modest perks is a satisfying hustle. Here’s a rundown of my top methods for snagging free goodies.

Top Strategies for Scoring Free Food and Beverages

The Dunkin’ Donuts app remains a standout loyalty program. After a recent overhaul that stirred mixed feelings among avid fans, it has reasserted its value for those who play their cards right. While it’s true you have to spend money to see some returns, if you’re already frequenting Dunkin’, it hardly feels like a burden. Every dollar you spend nets you 10 points, but if you hit “boosted” status by visiting 12 times in a single month, each subsequent dollar spent can earn you 12 points. Collect enough points, and you can redeem them for delightful treats—150 points for an espresso shot, 250 for a donut, and 500 for coffee, to name a few.

Additionally, dunkin’s always has various point-enhancement offers available. Some promotions let you earn extra points for ordering specific items or visiting during designated times. For instance, mobile orders on Mondays yield a bonus of 100 points. These stack quickly, allowing you to accumulate free drinks and snacks in no time! Here’s an overview:

My points accumulated over the past few months exceeded 25,000!
Credit: Lindsey Ellefson

Within the restaurant realm, I hold membership apps across nearly all major chains. McDonald’s frequently offers promotions that score you a free item, usually just for dabbling with their app. On days when a budget is tight yet cravings linger, it’s not uncommon to see a mobile order for a large fry and Diet Coke—where the fry is complimentary. While Panera’s rewards seem less appealing, an underrated gem is the 7 Eleven rewards program, through which consistent visits often yield at least a dollar off.

Pro-tip: encourage hesitant friends and family to enter their phone numbers during checkout to collect rewards. By roping them into this, significant points can accrue—although there’s a chance they might claim a coveted reward for themselves, which is simply part of the game!

Check out all my fast-food options!
Credit: Lindsey Ellefson

For an alternate avenue of obtaining free food through an app, consider Seated. This application promises something different—rather than rewards directly through restaurants, it offers a cashback percentage for reservations made through the app. The money earned can be converted into gift cards for sites such as Amazon or can be transferred back to your checking account. As with any cash-back system, a spend is necessary to earn, but considering you’ll be dining out at those restaurants regardless, the perceived rewards feel like free bonuses.

Seated provides a user-friendly interface for enjoying rewards.
Credit: Lindsey Ellefson

Exploring Additional Freebie Apps

A passion for cosmetics and personal care drives the quest for these apps. Some time ago, Influenster piqued interest by promising free samples in exchange for reviews and engagement. Through the app, users can evaluate a variety of beauty products, contributing to community insights. Once built up credibility within the app, free items frequently arrive at the door, typically accompanied by the request for thoughtful reviews. While there are bonus tasks, such as public socials about products, the quiet pursuit of freebies suffices. Over time, successful samples included beloved Revlon lipsticks and a well-received perfume from Armani—all without spending a single cent! A fantastic resource worth revisiting.

Currently, dabbling with Goss offers an entertaining twist on rewards. In a way, it mirrors sports betting, but focuses on pop culture. Utilizing in-game currency, players can make predictions about trends, such as celebrity Instagram likes or reality show outcomes. By placing these bets, another in-game currency is earned, which can later be exchanged for real products. Each day brings a chance to claim coveted items, like the Summer Fridays lip balm—often more fulfilling than a simple purchase from Sephora!

Another noteworthy contender is Iris, closely resembling Influenster’s framework. Users earn “gems” that are traded for limited-time product drops, which require reviews upon receipt. The eligibility for drops rises with the user’s engagement level, creating urgency to act the moment an item becomes available. The ultimate challenge? Reaching the gem count to snag an elusive Dyson Airstraight worth $500. The best aspect of Iris is that players can’t simply purchase gems, making every earned gem truly reflective of personal investment and time.

The pace of earning gems on this platform is astonishing.
Credit: Lindsey Ellefson