Easy Ways to Make Payments for Free Money Offers

Many free money offers and bank switch bonuses require you to make a small card payment to qualify. But why do companies do this? It's their way of ensuring you're a genuine customer who is likely to use their product.

The issue? You don’t want to make a purchase for something you don’t actually need, only to reclaim the money later. Instead, here are some ways to make qualifying payments without making an unnecessary spend.

Note: These methods may be subject to change, but as of writing, they work.

1. Credit Card Payments

If you have a credit card, you can make multiple small payments towards your balance instead of a single large one. For example, Vanquis (which offers a £25 sign-up bonus - sign up here) allows you to make multiple payments towards your balance, helping you meet spending requirements easily.

2. Phone Bill Payments

Most mobile providers allow you to pay off your phone bill manually before your direct debit is processed. This means you can spread the required spending across multiple payments, ensuring you qualify for the offer without overspending.

3. Trading 212

A simple way to make a card payment and still keep your money is by topping up your Trading 212 account. Once the funds are in, you can withdraw them at a later date, effectively recycling the money while qualifying for an offer.

4. Amazon Credit

Amazon lets you add credit to your account, which you can use later when making a purchase. This is an easy way to trigger a qualifying card payment without losing money. You can add Amazon credit here: Amazon Gift Card.

5. Gift Cards

Buying a gift card for a store you already shop at ensures you're not spending extra money unnecessarily. Plus, you can earn cashback on some gift card purchases using our Instant Cashback Comparison Tool.

6. Energy Account Top-Ups

If you pay for utilities, consider topping up your energy account in advance. You’ll need to pay your bill eventually, so this is a great way to meet spending requirements while covering an essential cost.

7. Chip App

The Chip app allows you to top up your savings account using a debit card. This counts as a qualifying payment while still keeping your money accessible.