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Who are single moms today?

In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)1 found that 39.8% of all births reported in the U.S. that year were by unmarried women, down from a high of 41% in 2009.

The U.S. Census Bureau2 cites that 80% of single-parent family groups are led by moms — but that statistic is often misconstrued to mean that fathers are not involved with the children in those families. Instead, most dads are actively involved, even when the parents live in two households. Nonetheless, this reflects a broader trend where traditional nuclear families, consisting of two married heterosexual parents, are now a minority in the U.S. family structure.

A study conducted a decade ago by Johns Hopkins researchers3 found that 64% of millennial moms have children outside of marriage. In 2016, millennials surpassed all other generations in the number of households headed by single mothers, according to Women in the Housing & Real Estate Ecosystem (NAWRB).4

At the time, NAWRB found that in the U.S. there were about 8.6 households headed by a single mom and around 4 million of those moms were millennials.

This shift is largely due to declining marriage rates among young people and an increasing societal acceptance of having children outside of traditional marriage settings.

The United States saw 673,989 million divorces in 2022, according to the CDC,5 contributing to the high number of single-parent households. However, the decline in marriage rates among younger generations is a more significant factor.

Traditional nuclear families are now less common, with single motherhood being a major influence. Other family structures on the rise include multigenerational families, blended families, adoptive and foster families, and families headed by same-sex parents.

This post aims to provide recent statistics on single-parent households and their children, highlighting the nuances of single parenthood and evolving family structures, as well as the trends in equal co-parenting.

Single mom statistics

Single motherhood rate by race

Single mothers’ statistics: Education and income

Single parents by country

Single moms are overwhelmingly doing it all alone

Challenges of single-parent families

Takeaways from these single mom statistics

Single mom statistics

There were 10.9 million single mother-headed households in the United States in 2022, according to Census data.6 This is 3x the number in 1960. In addition:

  • 40% of babies born in the United States were born to an unmarried mom in 2022, according to the CDC.8
  • 25% of U.S. families are headed by a single parent. Government documents that 80% of single-parent households are moms according to Census data.7 However, three-quarters of children in these homes have meaningful relationships with their fathers.

“A study that used data from the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth database found that about a quarter of dads dropped out of theirkids’ lives when they lived separately, while three-quarters had either significant or moderate interaction with their kids. But the census only counts kids as living in one home, so even kids who live with their dads half the time are likely to be counted as living with their mothers only.”

The 50/50 Solution: The Surprisingly Simple Choice that Makes Moms, Dads, and Kids Happier and Healthier after a Split

Millennial single mom statistics

A Pew Research Center9 report published in 2020 found that millennials are having babies outside of marriage more than any previous generation. 

According to the report, roughly 33% of millennial moms living with their own children are unmarried, compared with 29% of Gen X mothers, 23% of Boomer moms and 9% of Silent moms at the same age. 

Another study published in the National Academy of Sciences10 found that more educated millennials are having babies outside of marriage. Nearly a quarter of highly educated women in their mid-30s had their first babies outside marriage.

However, there is still a stark division between single millennial moms who have college degrees and those who do not. Millennial moms with a college education (14%) are much less likely to be unmarried than those with less than a college degree (44%), Pew Research reported.

Throughout history, marriage and parenthood have been linked milestones on the journey to adulthood.

But for the young adults of the Millennial Generation, these social institutions are becoming delinked and differently valued.11 As of 2011:

  • 52% of Millennials believe that having children is one of the most important goals in their lives
  • Only 30% say that marriage is a lifetime goal

Gen Z single mothers statistics

Generation Z — children born in the mid to late 1990s to early 2010s — are mostly descendants of Gen X.

According to an article by the Annie E. Casey Foundation,12 Gen Z women were more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education, with nearly 50% of adults ages 18 to 24 enrolled in or fin­ishing college since Gen Zers reached age 18 in 2015, compared to 36% in 2000.

According to Pew Research Center,13 Gen Z are poised to be the best-educated generation to date. As of 2018, 57% were enrolled in 2- or 4-year colleges compared with 52% of Millennials in 2003 and 43% of Gen Xers in 1987.

In 2019, 44% of Gen Z, ages 7 to 17 were growing up with a parent who graduated with a bachelor’s degree or pursued higher education.  As the educational level of parents has increased, a significant drop in births to mothers without a high school diploma among the youngest Gen Z members — born between 2006 and 2012 — from 26% to 17%​, according to Pew Research Center.

In 2019, 44% of Gen Z, ages 7 to 17 were growing up with a parent who graduated with a bachelor’s degree or pursued higher education.

A 2022 Forbes article14 asserts that Gen Z women are delaying motherhood in favor of work and a desire to have a flexible life with protected time just for themselves.

This could be because Gen Zers were more likely to have been raised by a single parent, according to The Survey Center on American Life.15

Older single mom statistics

Today, there are far more older mothers overall, including more older single moms.

The average age of first-time mothers in the U.S. reached 27.3 years old in 2021. This is up from 25.6 years old in 2011​, according to the Pew Research Center.16

Women with higher educational attainment tend to have children later in life and have fewer children overall compared to those with lower educational attainment​

By comparison, there has been a 78% drop in teen births since 1991, with 13.6 births per 1,000 reported in 2021, down 2%
from 2021 (13.9 births per 1,000) and another record low.1

These are the number of births per 1,000 unmarried women for the following age groups:

  • Ages 35-39: 38.8 per 1,000 (historic high)
  • Ages 40-44: 11.6 per 1,000

While the rate of babies born to single mothers has declined slightly, there is a notable rise in babies born to single moms by choice – women who tend to be older, more educated, and with higher income.

Single motherhood rate by race

Single mother numbers in the United States have always been higher among African American women. At the hands of slavery, black women’s consensual relationships and marriages bore no legal rights, and black women had no legal rights to the children they bore at the hands of rape of their white slave owners.

These are the birth rates among unmarried mothers by race for 2022, the most recent data available:

Race of motherPercentage of nonmarital births
White27.1%
Black69.3%
Hispanic53.2%
Asian12.3%
Native American/Alaska Native68.1%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander53.2%
Source: CDC1

Single mothers’ statistics: Education and income

Among millennial moms who have babies outside of marriage, 67% have some college education, and 32% have four or more years of higher education​, according to a Pew report18 published in 2020. 

What percent of single mothers live in poverty?

  • 32% of single moms earn $40,000+ 
  • 10% of single moms earn $80,000+

Another Pew Research Center analysis17 found the poverty rate by household head was:

  • 30% of solo mothers
  • 17% of solo fathers
  • 16% of families headed by cohabiting couples
  • 8% of married couple families

From the report:

Cohabiting parents tend to be younger, less educated, and less likely to have ever been married compared to solo parents. Solo parents typically have fewer children and are more likely to live with one of their own parents (23% vs. 4%)​, Pew found. 

Solo moms are more than twice as likely to be black as cohabiting moms (30% vs. 12%), and roughly four times as likely as married moms (7% of whom are black). About 40% of solo mothers are white, compared with 58% of cohabiting moms and 61% of married moms.

There are virtually no racial and ethnic differences in the profiles of solo and cohabiting fathers.

Single mom statistics from the Pew Research Center.

Single motherhood pay gap

Single mothers earn significantly less than married mothers.

In 2021, the median income for single-mother families was $51,168, compared to $106,921 for married couples​, according to Pew.19 This income disparity is influenced by lower educational qualifications and the younger age of single mothers, who are also more likely to be black or Hispanic​. 

Pew also found that single-mother families are much more likely to live in poverty, with a rate of 31.3% in 2021. Among black female-headed families, the poverty rate is 37.4%, and 35.9% for Hispanic families.

This is likely a consequence of the lower educational qualifications of single mothers, as well as the fact that they are younger and more likely to be black or Hispanic. Married mothers tend to be older and are disproportionately white and college-educated.

Mothers overall suffer a pay gap of 29%, earning an average of 71 cents for every $1 earned by a dad — or an average of $16,000 less per year, according to the National Women’s Law Center.20 

This motherhood penalty is dramatically worse for single mothers at 35%. According to Pew Research, single moms with a household of three earn just $26,000 per year on average, compared with $40,000 per year for single dads.

Parenthood tends to have a different impact on earnings for men and women. Fathers often receive a “fatherhood wage premium,” meaning they earn more after having children.

In contrast, mothers, especially single mothers, face decreased earnings due to career breaks and reduced work hours to manage childcare responsibilities, according to a 2024 report by the National Partnership for Women and Families (NPWF). 

Single-mother households are more likely to be economically insecure compared to other family structures. Approximately 60% of mother-only families were economically insecure in 2021, with nearly a third living below the federal poverty line, NPWF found. 

Another report that year found that the median income for families led by a single mother was $51,168, significantly lower than the $106,921 median for married couples. This large income disparity contributes to the economic hardships faced by single-mother households​, according to the National Women's Law Center.

I conducted a survey of 2,279 single moms and found a direct correlation between time-sharing between single parents, and single moms’ include. The 2021 white paper outlining the findings of the Single Mom Income and Time-Sharing Survey are here:

White Paper PDF

Survey highlights:

  • Moms with 50/50 parenting schedules are 54% more likely to earn at least $100,000 annually than moms whose kids are with them most of the time (with “visits” with the dad), and more than three times (325%) more likely to earn $100,000+ than single moms with 100% time responsibility.
  • Moms with 50/50 parenting schedules are more than twice as likely to earn $65,000+, and nearly three-times as likely to earn that sum than moms with 100% parenting time.  
  • 13% of single moms have a 50/50 parenting arrangement, and 51% have their children 100% of the time.
  • 9 in 10 single moms say they could earn more money if they had more equality in their co-parenting schedules.
  • Moms with 50/50 parenting time are 34% more likely to say they feel “awesome and proud” of being a mom when compared with moms who care for their kids 100% of the time.

More details about the survey project.

I also founded Moms For Shared Parenting, an organization devoted to advancing parenting policy and culture.

11 surprising facts about 50/50 parenting

Single mothers on food stamps and public assistance

Roughly 15.7 million children were living in single mother-headed households in the United States, according to U.S. Census data21 published in 2022. This reflects a significant portion of the overall child population in the country:

  • About 11.1 million children lived below 100% of poverty
  • Nearly 14.4 million children were in the food stamp program
  • Roughly 2.1 million children received public assistance

Single parents by country

A 2019 Pew Research Center study22 of 130 countries and territories finds the United States has the world’s highest rate of children living in single-parent households, at 23%. By comparison:

  • Russia 18% of children live in single parent-headed households
  • Uganda 10%
  • Germany 12%
  • Japan 7%
  • Mexico 7%
  • India 5%
  • China 4%
  • Worldwide: an average of 7% of children under age 18 live with a single parent

Children in single-parent families by race in the United States

According to the most recent U.S. census data,21 these are the percentages of children per race in single-parent homes: 

  • American Indian or Alaska Native – 52%
  • Asian and Pacific Islander – 15%
  • Black or African American – 64%
  • Hispanic or Latino – 42%
  • White (Non-Hispanic) – 24%
  • Two or more races – 40%

Single moms are overwhelmingly doing it all alone

  • 50% of custodial parents have child support agreements (informal or formal), but only 44% received all child support owed, according to a 2018 U.S. Census Bureau report.23 About 24% receive partial payments, while 30% receive none of the support they are owed 
  • The median amount of child support due is about $480 per month, translating to about $5,760 annually. However, the actual median amount received by custodial parents is significantly lower, at around $1,800 per year​ 
  • Child support can be a critical source of income for single-parent families. It helps lift many children out of poverty, providing essential financial resources to support their upbringing​, The Annie E. Casey Foundation24 wrote in a 2023 report.
  • Of fathers who live apart from their children, 22% of dads see their kids more than once per week.

But, how many of those fathers choose not to see their kids more, and how many of them are forced out of their kids’ lives completely, or marginalized to a weekend dad?

The answer to this question is complicated and hotly debated. A sexist culture and family court system that marginalizes fathers is a real force, as is parental alienation, mass incarceration of African American men are all real forces.

According to data from the Pew Research Center,25 about 29% of fathers who live apart from their children see their kids at least once a month, while 21% visit several times a year, and 27% do not visit at all​. 

Challenges of single-parent families

Children in single-parent families are more likely to face challenges stemming from the breakup of their parents.

According to another article by the Annie E. Casey Foundation,26 over 50% of children born to cohabiting couples will experience a parent leaving the home. And 20% of children whose parents are married will experience a divorce by the time they turn 9 years old.

This equates to a disruption in routines, living spaces, education, and household income.

For divorcing couples, parenting classes are a great first-step to restoring stability for children in the midst of a split. Learning how to co-parent is essential to better outcomes for children of divorce.

As research continues to evolve on this topic, several factors are clear: children excel in stable, safe nurturing environments where their emotional and physical needs are met.

High levels of parental stress are common among single parents due to the dual burden of providing for and caring for children alone, according to a Pew report.19 This stress can negatively impact both the parent’s and the child’s well-being. Strategies such as prioritizing self-care and seeking professional counseling can be beneficial​.

An article by The Gentle Parent27 also discusses the solos of solo parenting and writes that single parents frequently experience a lack of support from family, friends, or society. Building a support network through local community organizations, support groups, or online forums can provide much-needed emotional and practical assistance.

Single parents often face the difficulty of balancing work responsibilities with parenting duties, according to The Gentle Parent. Establishing clear boundaries and seeking flexible work arrangements can help, but the lack of affordable and reliable childcare remains a significant hurdle.

Solo parenthood can also lead to feeling isolated due to the overwhelming responsibilities of raising children alone. Engaging in community activities, joining parenting groups, and maintaining connections with friends and family can help reduce feelings of loneliness, The Gentle Parent wrote. ​

Takeaways from these single mom statistics

There are more single moms because it is more acceptable to be a single mom

Single moms are growing in number, in part, because women have more financial opportunities, and can more comfortably afford to have children without the full-time financial support of the children’s father.

At the same time, the rise in single motherhood has severely lessened the stigma of being an unmarried mom, a fact that has been attributed to the drop in abortion rates in recent decades.

The rise and general acceptance of single motherhood across all demographics (young, African American and Hispanic moms make up the majority of this trend, but older, more affluent single-moms-by-choice is the fastest-growing segment of the single-mom population), is part of a larger trend of redefining what family and healthy family means.

It was a few years ago that headlines announced that the married, heterosexual parent household with children is now the statistical minority in the United States. Today, about a quarter of married couples who live with children under age 18 are in these Leave it to Beaver families where only the father works — down 47 percent in 1970.

How to be a successful single mother

While gay, multi-generational, blended and adoptive families are on the rise, single-mom-led households made up the bulk of that new majority of “non-traditional” families (enter eye-rolling of many, including this writer!). Paired with news that young adults increasingly find marriage an obsolete institution, this made sense.

However, this new acceptance of family does not preclude romantic partnerships, as most Millennial moms are in committed romantic partnerships, even if they are not legally married.

More gender equality at home — including in separated families

Today’s expectations of the role that men and women will play in parenting is different from older moms. Millennial mothers are most likely to have children with men who are more inclined to share household and childcare duties.

To wit: a 1982 study28 found 43 percent of fathers never changed a diaper. By 2000 another study showed this figure had fallen to 3 percent.

Fatherhood, as we know, goes far beyond keeping little butts clean. While the bulk of care of children still falls on women, a Boston College Center for Work & Family study found that 66% of Millennial dads believe that child care should be shared equally (even if just 29% conceded that that work is actually shared equally in their family), and the number of hours dads today spend with their kids tripled to 7 hours weekly in 2015 from 1965, while they spend an average of nine hours on housework, up from four hours half a century earlier.

These trends are reflected in separated families, where the number of hours that dads spend with children has increased regardless of whether the dad is a part of the same household. Only about 35% percent of child custody cases29 rule to give fathers primary residence, but there is a huge new movement towards shared parenting, in which it is presumed that both parents have equal legal custody and approximately half time with each parent in the event of a separation.

In fact, in 2017 alone, shared parenting legislation has been introduced in 25 states, and counting. This makes sense, as there are 60 peer-reviewed studies30 that find that shared parenting — in which each parent has the kids about 40 percent of the time — is best for children.

Fathers now spend significantly more time with their children than in the past. The average time dads spend with their kids has tripled from 2.5 hours per week in 1965 to about 7 hours per week in 2015. Additionally, fathers' involvement in housework has increased from 4 hours per week in 1965 to 9 hours per week in recent years​, according to the Pew Research Center.31

Shared parenting is also great for moms. After all, if with more parenting and time support from another parent means more time to nurture other parts of your life — including your career. After all, we can’t have equality at work if we don’t have equality in your family — regardless of what your family looks like.

Why is child support so unfair to fathers? A case for needed reform

More reading:

What is a single mom? A solo mom? How to determine which one you are

Why is child support so unfair to fathers? A case for needed reform

As Millennials Near 40, They’re Approaching Family Life Differently Than Previous Generations (Pew Research Trends)

For Millennials, Out-of-Wedlock Childbirth Is the Norm (Slate)

The Luxury of Waiting for Marriage to Have Kids (The Atlantic)

Dramatic increase in the proportion of births outside of marriage in the United States from 1990 to 2016 (Child Trends)

Related documentary and books on shared parenting:

Recommended shared parenting documentary: Divorce Corp

Kickass Single Mom, Be Financially Independent, Discover Your Sexiest Self, and Raise Fabulous, Happy Children, By: Emma Johnson

Blend, The Secret to Co-Parenting and Creating a Balanced Family, By: Mashonda Tifrere

Co-parenting with a Toxic Ex: What to Do When Your Ex-Spouse Tries to Turn the Kids Against You, By: by Amy J. L. Baker, PhD and Paul R Fine, LCSW Divorce Poison: How to Protect Your Family from Bad-mouthing and Brainwashing, By: Dr. Richard A. Warshak

SOURCES:

  1. “Births: Final Data for 2022,” National Vital Statistics Reports: Volume 73, Number 2. April 4, 2024. Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr73/nvsr73-02.pdf 
  2. “America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2022,” November 17, 2022. United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/demo/families/cps-2022.html 
  3. “Most Millennial moms who skip college also skip marriage, data shows,” by Jill Rosen. Johns Hopkins University. June 16, 2014.
  4. “2017 Women Housing Ecosystem Report,” Women in the Housing & Real Estate Ecosystem (NAWRB). https://www.nawrb.com/2017-women-housing-ecosystem-report/
  5. “National Marriage and Divorce Rate Trends for 2000-2022,” National Center for Health Statistics. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/dvs/marriage-divorce/national-marriage-divorce-rates-00-22.pdf 
  6. “Annual Social and Economic Supplements,” United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/data/datasets/time-series/demo/cps/cps-asec.2022.html#list-tab-165711867
  7. “Current Population Survey (CPS),” United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/cps.html
  8. “Cohabitation and children's living arrangements: New estimates from the United States,” National Center for Health Statistics. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/unmarried-childbearing.htm
  9. “As Millennials Near 40, They’re Approaching Family Life Differently Than Previous Generations,” by Amanda Barroso, Kim Parker and Jesse Bennett. Pew Research Center. May 27, 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/27/as-millennials-near-40-theyre-approaching-family-life-differently-than-previous-generations/
  10. “Rising nonmarital first childbearing among college-educated women: Evidence from three national studies.” by Andrew J. Cherlin. 2021. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2109016118
  11. “For Millennials, Parenthood Trumps Marriage,” by Wendy Wang and Paul Taylor. Pew Research Center. March 9, 2011. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2011/03/09/for-millennials-parenthood-trumps-marriage/
  12. “What The Statistics Say About Generation Z,”  The Annie E. Casey Foundation. Updated Nov. 1, 2023. https://www.aecf.org/blog/generation-z-statistics
  13. “On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Gen Z So Far,” by Kim Parker and Ruth Igielnik. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far-2/
  14. “Gen Z Women Postpone Motherhood Because Of The Challenges Working Millennial Moms Encounter,” by Christine Michel Carter. Forbes. June 21, 2022. https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecarter/2022/06/20/gen-z-women-postpone-motherhood-because-of-the-challenges-working-millennial-moms-encounter/?sh=4191f2152b90
  15. “The Childhood Loneliness of Generation Z,” by Daniel A. Cox for the Survey Center on American Life. April 4, 2022. https://www.americansurveycenter.org/the-lonely-childhood-of-generation-z/#
  16. “Key facts about moms in the U.S.,” by Katherine Schaeffer and Carolina Aragão. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/05/09/facts-about-u-s-mothers/
  17. “The Changing Profile of Unmarried Parents,” by Gretchen Livingston. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2018/04/25/the-changing-profile-of-unmarried-parents/
  18. “As Millennials Near 40, They’re Approaching Family Life Differently Than Previous Generations,” by Amanda Barroso, Kim Parker, and Jesse Bennett. Pew Research Center. May 27, 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/27/as-millennials-near-40-theyre-approaching-family-life-differently-than-previous-generations/
  19. “Parenting in America Today,” by Rachel Minkin And Juliana Menasce Horowitz. Pew Research Center. Jan. 24, 2023. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/01/24/parenting-in-america-today/
  20. “Data on Poverty and Income,” National Women’s Law Center. https://nwlc.org/issue/data-on-poverty-income/
  21. “America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2022,” U.S. Census Bureau. Nov. 17, 2022. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/americas-families-and-living-arrangements.html
  22. “Religion and Living Arrangements Around the World,” Pew Research Center. Dec. 12, 2019. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/12/12/religion-and-living-arrangements-around-the-world/
  23. “44 Percent of Custodial Parents Receive the Full Amount of Child Support,” U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/cb18-tps03.html
  24. “Less than 1 in 4 single-mother families receive child support,” The Annie E. Casey Foundation. Oct. 26, 2023. https://www.aecf.org/blog/less-than-1-in-4-single-mother-families-receive-child-support
  25. “A Tale of Two Fathers,” by Gretchen Livingston and Kim Parker. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2011/06/15/a-tale-of-two-fathers/
  26. “Child well-being in single-parent families,” The Annie E. Casey Foundation. April 6, 2024. https://www.aecf.org/blog/child-well-being-in-single-parent-families
  27. “Common Challenges Faced by Single Parents: Exploring the Hurdles of Solo Parenthood,” by Larabeth Fitzroy-Smith. TheGentleParents. https://thegentleparents.com/2023/08/common-challenges-single-parents-face/
  28. “Research punctures ‘Modern' fathers myth – except for nappies that is…” Warwick. https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/research_punctures_modern/
  29. “What does Dad really want? More time with his kids,” Star Tribune. June 16, 2018. https://www.startribune.com/what-does-dad-really-want-more-time-with-his-kids/485607642/
  30. “Joint versus sole physical custody: Outcomes for children independent of family income or parental conflict,” by Linda Nielsen. Journal of Child Custody. Jan. 24, 2018. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5154a075e4b08f050dc20996/t/5a6a58370d9297962b6ef1fd/1516918840631/2018+Child+Custody+60+studies+.pdf
  31. “Key facts about dads in the U.S.,” by Katherine Schaeffer. Pew Research Center. June 15, 2023. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/06/15/key-facts-about-dads-in-the-us/

Whether you’re looking for free toys for kids for Christmas, another holiday, a child’s birthday party or you want to reward your kids for a good semester at school, there are ways to get free toys all year long. 

We put together a list of easy ways to get free toys for kids at any time. The best part? You don’t even have to leave your home to get toys from some of the free toy programs on this list. Plus, you might even be able to get paid for sharing feedback about the toys you receive.

Websites and apps that offer free toys

The Toy Foundation’s Toy Bank

Product testing

How to get free toys for Christmas

Resources for free baby toys

Local resources: how to find free toys in your area

Bulk pick-up nights can be a free toy treasure-trove

Websites and apps that offer free toys

The following websites, apps, and resources are all great places to try to get free toys for your kids.

Freecycle.org

Another great resource for free toys is the Freecycle Network. Over 9 million people are registered as Freecycle members across 5,300+ towns and cities. 

When you become a Freecycle member, you’ll have the chance to browse Freecycle Town groups. You can join multiple groups to browse posts for free items and also offer your own items to give away.

Freecycle is a great way to get free toys for your kids while practicing sustainability by keeping unwanted toys out of landfills. Sign up for Freecycle to get free toys.





Craigslist

Craigslist continues to be a top choice for people searching for free stuff, including free toys. As a nationwide online classified marketplace, you can cast a wide net to see what people are offering in your community or anywhere in the United States.

To find free toys, navigate to the “For Sale” section. Next, click on the “free” link to see available items in your chosen area. You can type in the search field in the free stuff section to find what you’re looking for. 

Remember to always practice safety if you use classified services like Craigslist or Freecycle to meet up with community members who are giving away free toys. Use a communication app like Google Voice or WhatsApp to protect your personal phone or email address, plan all meetups in public spaces, and, if possible, go with a friend or family member.

27 sites like Craigslist to buy or sell stuff

TrashNothing.com

As the concept of freecycling continues to grow, so do the ways you can look for items you want. TrashNothing.com is affiliated with Freecycle, Full Circles, and ReUseIt groups on Yahoo Groups, Freegle groups, as well as groups that originated from Trash Nothing.

The TrashNothing community is over 8 million strong. Many claim that using TrashNothing simplifies the process of finding free toys and other stuff, making it a more convenient and time-efficient choice for busy parents.

You can sign up for TrashNothing using an existing Facebook, Google, Microsoft or Yahoo account. You can also create an account using an email address.

Learn how to make money testing products at home

Nextdoor

With Nextdoor, you can connect with your neighbors to stay on top of what’s happening in your community. It’s free to join. You can use it on an internet browser or through the app to find sources of free toys and learn about local events such as toy giveaways or yard sales where you can get steeply discounted toys.

To get free toys:

  • Check For Sale & Free: You can filter this section on Nextdoor to show all free items in your neighborhood, including free toys if they are available
  • Make a post: You can post a question about where you can get free toys so that people in your area can share what the know
  • Create an event: When you click on the Discover tab in Nextdoor, you can create an event like a free toy drive for your neighbors or a meetup to swap free, used toys
  • Follow Nextdoor on Facebook: Use the Nextdoor Facebook community to get ideas about how other neighborhoods are finding free toys

OfferUp

OfferUp is an inexpensive way to find gently used or previously owned toys. Created by two fathers who sought to replace things they no longer wanted with things they needed, OfferUp is the largest mobile marketplace powered by a secure app you can use to buy or sell locally.

From your smartphone, you can use the app to message sellers. You can also view profiles to ensure you are dealing with reputable sellers with good ratings and positive feedback before you make a purchase.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace can be an online jackpot for free toys, games, and other items your child will enjoy. As the largest social media platform, Facebook offers almost endless opportunities to connect with people who want to give away items or sell them at a discount.  

To see free items, simply navigate to “Free Stuff” on Facebook Marketplace. You can either browse what’s available or type in a specific search term like “free toys” or “free children’s games” to refine your results.

You can use Facebook Messenger to communicate with sellers so you can make a plan to pick up the items. 

Freebie Alerts app

Here are 11 easy ways to get free toys for kids.

The Freebie Alerts app, available on the App Store and Google Play, sends you a notification every time your neighbors are giving away free stuff, including toys and games. 

The app monitors:

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Nextdoor
  • OfferUp
  • TrashNothing

You can choose to receive alerts from all or some of these sources of free stuff. 

If you want specific items, like toys, you can use the whitelist feature to notify you of offers with certain keywords. When you want an item, just tap on it in the app to communicate with the person giving it away. You can also post items you would like to give away.

Get the Freebie Alerts app

The Toy Foundation’s Toy Bank

For those of you looking for “free toys for kids near me,” the Toy Bank is a program run by the The Toy Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the importance of play for children in underserved communities. 

Since its founding in 2003, the Toy Bank has provided more than 26 million children with $225 million worth of toys through year-round toy donations from toy companies and retailers. 

The Toy Bank serves children who are:

  • Seriously ill or in a children’s hospital
  • In temporary foster care
  • Suffering from abuse or neglect
  • Impacted by domestic violence
  • Separated from a deployed military parent
  • Navigating natural disasters

Throughout the year, free toys are distributed to over 1,000 local charities and community organizations in every state and the District of Columbia. To find a Toy Bank partner charity near you, contact The Toy Foundation.

Get free toys through product testing

While toy testers typically don’t get to keep the toys they play with, product testing is a fun way to get in some playtime with pre-released toys and potentially earn money for sharing your opinion about new toys manufacturers are thinking about bringing to market.  

Far Out Toys’ FunLab

Far Out Toys is a global company behind brands like Glo-Up Girls dolls and toys inspired by YouTube channels like Ryan’s World and Love, Diana.

The Far Out Toys FunLab is a community of parents and kids who enjoy playing with toys. By signing up, you become part of the Far Out Fun Lab community, where you will get invitations to review free toys based on your child’s interests. Periodically, members are asked for feedback on toys and have a chance to participate in compensated, online focus groups.

You can become a toy ambassador for anything Far Out Toys sells, such as family games, tech toys, or toys for different age groups. Sign up to get free toys from Far Out Toy FunLab.

Fisher-Price Play Lab (in western New York state)

The Fisher-Price Play Lab was the first of its kind. First established in 1961, the lab was a place for children to play with toys and guide the brand in its creation of toys that children love. .

Today, the Fisher-Price Play Lab recruits more than 2,800 kids of all ages to test about 450 toys and gear ideas per year.. Fisher-Price offers both in-person and in-home toy testing opportunities for parents and children who live in Western New York. All in-person testing takes place at the Play Lab in East Aurora, N.Y. This is also the site to pick up and return toys for in-home testing.

In-home testing is usually a two-week process. In-person testing takes up to 20 minutes, on average. The Fisher Price Play Lab notifies parents of testing opportunities up to two days in advance. There are also playgroups that meet weekly for one or two hours.

The Fisher-Price Cast & Play Crew is a community of parents with children ages 5 and younger who test toys and offer feedback to improve the toys before they are released to the public. 

All testing opportunities are compensated with Amazon or Target gift cards. Pay varies depending on the amount of time and effort. To participate in testing, your child will need a New York State Child Performer Permit, but you can start the Fun Lab registration process without it. To join the community, sign up on the Fisher-Price website.

Hasbro’s FunLab

Hasbro FunLab invites children to test toys and games. Though there are some virtual events and at-home programs, toy testing primarily takes place in-house at a Hasbro facility like the headquarters in Pawtucket, R.I.. There are also FunLab opportunities in Canada and the United Kingdom.

To become a Hasbro FunLab member, the registering parent must be at least 18 years old and not employed in the following areas:

  • Advertising, market research or public relations
  • Newspaper or magazine publishing
  • TV, movies or radio
  • Manufacturing or distribution of toys, entertainment games or videos

When you sign up your child to participate, you may be invited to toy testing events, focus groups, in-home play dates, and retail shopping studies. 

If you want your child to be a toy tester for Hasbro, you can enroll in the FunLab program today. 

Home Tester Club

The Home Tester Club is always looking for people to test free products like toys, food, and skin care aids. Free toys and other products are mailed to your home in exchange for an honest review. Your shared insights can help improve shoppers’ buying experiences and assist brands with product development.

Plus, if you enjoy taking photos or participating in surveys, you’ll have a chance to win prizes every week as part of the Home Tester Club community.

Just answer a few questions upfront to establish your interests so you can be matched with products that make sense for your household. Join the Home Tester Club for free.

Mattel Imagination Center

The Mattel Imagination Center welcomes children and adults as toy testers to help them develop and refine toy offerings. If your children are ages 3 to 13, they can participate in toy testing. Occasionally, there are opportunities for children younger than 3. 

The center offers virtual and on-site testing events. To participate in on-site events, you and your child must live within a 50-mile radius of El Segundo, Calif. For your participation at on-site events, Mattel offers incentives such as free toys or gift cards. Virtual testers are eligible for electronic gift cards.

As long as you live in the United States, you can sign up to be a toy tester.

More about making money as a product tester





How to get free toys for Christmas

Lots of organizations help financially struggling families get free Christmas toys for their kids.

We put together a list of charities and other organizations that provide free Christmas gifts and information about how to apply. You can also check out our post about how to get free Christmas money or earn Christmas money.

Resources for free baby toys

If you’re looking for free baby toys, you can use apps and sites like Freecycle and Craigslist to find free toys. Here are some other resources we suggest:

Toy lending libraries

Toy lending libraries are a community space where parents can take their young children to play with toys, socialize with other kids, and borrow toys to take home. These libraries are typically for children 0-5 years old, but age requirements vary based on the library.

For example, the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library offers drop-in and members-only play sessions. You can get in free if you are a first-time visitor or have an infant. Memberships start at $30 per year. You can borrow and return toys just like you would a book in a library.

To find toy libraries in your area, you can search “toy lending libraries near me” or check the toy library location list from the USA Toy Library Association.

Baby registries

Create a baby registry when you are expecting or even after your little one has arrived. Add toys to your list and anything else you might need. Then, share the list with family and friends.

Some popular baby registries include:

  • Amazon
  • Babylist
  • MyRegistry
  • Target
  • Walmart

Creating a baby registry is a great idea because you can be specific about what you want for your child, items are new, and if something doesn't work out, you can usually return it without an issue. Plus, if you are signing up for the first time, baby registries like Amazon, Target, and Babylist offer free gifts.

23 places for moms to get free baby stuff

Local resources: how to find free toys in your area

Local resources are another great place to start looking for free toys. Community centers, charities, and regional programs often have initiatives designed to help families in need. For example, the Franklin Community Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. runs a free store that is open to the public where you can get free toys as well as clothing and household goods.

Here’s how you can locate and take advantage of these opportunities:

Search online for local free toy resources

Use terms like “free toys near me,” “local charities free toys,” or “toy donation programs” to find relevant options in your area.

Contact community centers

Many community centers run seasonal drives or collaborate with organizations to distribute toys to local families. If you’re not sure where your community center is, just do an online search for your town and state + “community center.” You can also call or visit your local library and ask for help!

Look for opportunities through your kid’s school and other local schools

Schools often distribute information about free toy programs to parents, especially if the school is in a lower-income area. Look for flyers, emails, or announcements from the school administration, or go ahead and call the main office and inquire about any programs for free toys they may host or know about.

Reach out to churches or other religious organizations

Many churches host toy drives or partner with charities to distribute gifts during the holidays. Even if you’re not a member, these organizations often welcome anyone in need.

Contact local food pantries and shelters

Many food pantries and homeless shelters run toy donation programs, especially during—but not limited to!—the holiday season. Reach out to organizations near you to see if they offer toys or can direct you to other local programs.

Check your local government websites and social media pages 

City or county governments often list local events, charitable programs, and resources for families. Here’s how to find and utilize local government sources:

  • Visit official websites: Start with your city or county’s main website. Look for sections like “Community Resources,” “Parks and Recreation,” or “Social Services.”
  • Search for event calendars: Many government websites include event calendars that list toy drives, holiday events, and free gift distribution opportunities.
  • Follow social media accounts: Follow your local government, parks and recreation department, or community service organizations on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These accounts frequently share updates about upcoming events and how to participate.
  • Use 211 or Local Helplines: Dial 211 (United Way’s resource hotline) or check their website to find local government programs and charities offering free toys.

Local resources not only provide toys but also foster a sense of community and support for families in need. Start by reaching out to organizations in your area and take advantage of the help they offer!

Bulk pick-up nights can be a free toy treasure-trove

Bulk pick-up nights, sometimes called bulk trash collection days, are special events scheduled by local waste management services where residents can dispose of oversized or large items that don't fit into regular trash bins. These nights are not only an opportunity to clear out clutter, but they can also serve as a treasure trove for others. Items like old furniture, bikes, and even toys—many in perfectly usable condition—often get left at the curb for pick-up, making these nights a surprising resource for finding free, reusable items.

One WealthSingleMommy editor’s friend, for example, managed to collect a whole fleet of those little ride-in plastic cars simply by exploring the offerings during bulk pick-up nights 

How to find bulk pick-up nights near you:

  • Ask neighbors or local community groups: Join neighborhood groups on Facebook, Nextdoor, or other local platforms to learn when bulk pick-up nights occur in your area.
  • Check your city and county websites, as well as websites of towns near you: Local waste management services often post schedules for bulk trash collection online.
  • Call your waste management provider: If the information isn’t online, a quick call to your city or county’s waste department can provide details.

Other ways to find helpful and free resources for low-income families and individuals


Help for single moms: 16+ resources		$500 monthly single mom grant
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Free furniture





In the dawn of online dating, Match.com and eharmony were the first major players. But there's another OG dating website that you may not have heard about. 

What is Dating.com?

Dating.com is a global online dating website and app. While most dating sites only let you match with other singles within a local radius, Dating.com allows you to connect with people all over the world. 

Dating.com was launched in 1993 and has since expanded to 32 countries. 

Like other dating apps and websites, it's a place where singles can connect in the hopes of finding love, but with a global spin. 

But is Dating.com worth it? Not if you’re looking to find a real, local connection.

  • Member's experience
  • Matches
  • Cost
  • Customer service
2.1

Looking for real love? If you are, we recommend eharmony.

Read my Dating.com review to find out why:

How Dating.com works

Is Dating.com safe?

Does Dating.com have fake profiles?

How much does Dating.com cost?

Is Dating.com worth paying for?

Reviews (including my own!) of Dating.com

Which is better, eharmony or Dating.com?

How does Dating.com work?

Like other dating websites and apps, you start by creating a profile — adding your photos and filling out your bio with interests, hobbies, and general information (such as age, location, education, etc.). You also get space to share what you're looking for in a partner.

Dating.com review Bianca's profile.

 There are several ways to communicate with members. However you need to pay to play:

  • Sending messages
  • Responding to chat invitations
  • Sending a mass email to several users using the “Let's Mingle” function 

Messages are saved in the My Contacts section, so you can always go back and respond to your matches. Unfortunately, you can only read messages if you're a paid Dating.com user (more on that later). You can also chat in real time using Dating.com's live chat and video chat features through credits that you purchase.

Additional features for Dating.com include the option to view live streams from other users (as well as creating a live stream) and the ability to send virtual presents to other matches.

Dating.com review shows Bianca's suggested matches.

Is Dating.com a safe dating site?

Yes, Dating.com is as safe as any other dating website or app. However, one thing that caught me off guard was the lack of a verification process it has compared to its competitors. After I signed up, I had to verify my email, but I could continue to match and chat with other people despite having an empty-looking profile.

You can request additional verification by clicking on the X next to your name on your profile. That will allow you to undergo a photo verification process to verify your identity. It takes three days to get the verification. So while they have some verification, it seems that Dating.com doesn’t enforce it like other dating apps.

As always, when meeting people online, you have to use common sense and look out for any red flags. Never share personal information (like addresses or credit card information) with anyone you just met. 

Feel out your matches before agreeing to meet in IRL to make sure they're the real deal. (I'm a big fan of the first-date FaceTime).

Before you meet in person, you can run your date's name through a site like TruthFinder, which will pull all online public records on the person and compile them into an easy-to-read report.

And lastly, if you're meeting your date, make it somewhere public.

Check out more tips on safe online dating.

Does Dating.com have fake profiles?

Every dating website is susceptible to fake profiles, and unfortunately, Dating.com isn't any different. Sites like SiteJabber and the Better Business Bureau have some reviews from unhappy users that claim there are fake profiles on the website:

Dating.com review complaint about fake profiles.
Dating.com review complaint on BBB about fake profiles.

As I previously mentioned, Dating.com has a very basic verification process, though they do encourage users to report any suspicious-looking profiles. You can also hide any profiles you don't trust.

How much does Dating.com cost?

While you can create a profile for free on Dating.com, you have to pay to interact in real ways with other users. Dating.com operates on a credit system rather than a monthly subscription. 

Credits are used like currency, so you pay with credits to use features such as messaging, live chatting, and more. 

Dating.com offers these credit packages:

  • $19.99 for 150 credits/mo
  • $150 for 600 credits/mo
  • $300 for 1500 credits/mo

These are a few examples of what different features cost:

  • Let's Mingle: 5 credits per mingle
  • Online chat: 1 credit per minute
  • Read messages: 10 credits per email
  • Send messages: 10 credits per email
  • Sending presents: 49 credits per present
  • Sending/receiving photos: 15 credits each

Is Dating.com worth paying for?

I don’t think Dating.com is worth paying for if you’re legitimately looking to date. The pool of matches isn’t that big compared to other dating apps like Hinge or Tinder (and I’m from New York). 

However, if you just want to make virtual pen pals with people from around the world, it might be worth buying a small credit package to try out.

There are unfortunately very few free features (basically just looking at other profiles), though some features are relatively affordable. For example, live chatting a match only costs one credit per minute, while sending messages costs 10 credits. Dating.com suggests limiting your interactions to a few matches to maximize your credit use.

Dating.com pros:

It prides itself on being a global dating app.

Dating.com is available in 32 countries, and you can match with individuals from all over the world. On other dating apps, like Tinder, you'd have to pay extra for that.

It's not swipe-heavy.

Dating.com appears to have a more casual vibe than the other dating apps. While the swipe culture of modern-day dating apps can feel exhausting, Dating.com has a more social networking feel. One thing I really liked about Dating.com is that it allows you to update your status like Facebook 2008. You can select your mood from a dropdown menu — including pen pal, serious, and naughty.

Dating.com review on status update.

It's available on desktop and mobile.

Aside from being a website, Dating.com is also available as an app on Android and iOS.

Dating.com cons:

Expensive to use

This is the biggest con with Dating.com and my personal pet peeve. How can you decide if there are quality individuals on the site if you can't talk to them? You have no choice but to pay to use the website.

There's no algorithm to help you find matches.

I was very confused when I first logged on to find profiles of women on my page, even though I selected that I was into men. I had to manually search for profiles of men by using their search bar. For some people, this may not matter, but I'm someone who doesn't like to spend too much time on a dating website and would like the website to put in some more work on my behalf.

The success rate seems unclear.

Dating.com is almost too casual for my liking. While connecting with singles globally is a cool selling point, I'm curious about how many actual relationships form on this dating website. To me, it just appears to be a great place to find an international pen pal (or 90-day fiance…).

Dating.com reviews

App stores

On Apple's app store, Dating.com has 3.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers like the app’s layout, adding that its laid-back feel takes the pressure off online dating. They also like that people from all over the world can match. Some negative reviews report spam accounts and complain about how costly Dating.com can be.

On Google Play, Dating.com has 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers think the app is too expensive, complain of the frequent charges just to navigate the app, and the lack of customer support.

BBB

Dating.com is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. It has 1 out of 5 stars based on just 9 reviews. 

Most BBB complaints are related to payment issues. It appears the Dating.com team is responsive to their customer complaints.

Sitejabber

On Sitejabber, Dating.com has 3.2 out of 5-star reviews with more than 1,100 reviews. Some people who gave 5-star reviews claim they met their SOs on Dating.com. But negative reviews call the site a scam and claim there are many fake profiles.

Other people continue to call it a scam, saying they feel Dating.com is ripping them off for the chance of love. People are also reporting fake profiles.

Trustpilot

On Trustpilot, Dating.com has a 1.2 out of 5-star rating — and Trustpilot warns that many of the reviews may be fake. And they do sound fake:

Of course, this isn’t to say you can’t have a good experience on Dating.com, but these reviews don’t appear genuine. There are even some negative reviews calling the positive ones out:

Dating.com Trustpilot Review from February 2025

Bianca’s experience with Dating.com

I think for those who are tired of the rat race that is swiping and want to take a more casual approach to dating (or just talking to new people), Dating.com’s formula is refreshing.

I really like how it makes it easy to connect with people all over the world. Still, I wonder how many of these connections actually evolve into a relationship or even a first date. It might have a wide net of users, but if you're taking dating seriously, you might not find anyone in your hometown.

Which is better, eharmony or Dating.com?

eharmony has an established reputation of matching millions of couples, thanks to its extremely detailed compatibility quizzes. So how do eharmony and Dating.com stack up?

First, name recognition; while Dating.com has been around longer (eharmony launched in 2000), pretty much everyone knows about eharmony. If I'm being honest, I only just heard about Dating.com.

How it works

One major difference between the two dating websites is their verification process. eharmony users must prove their identity through the site's user verification tools, and the site is constantly monitoring for suspicious-looking profiles. 

Fun fact: eharmony specifically checks to make sure users aren’t currently married. Once your profile has been fully vetted, eharmony then curates potential matches for their members using a detailed compatibility quiz, which prevents you from having to scroll through endless, unviable options. Dating.com only confirms an email address.

Reviews

eharmony is one of very few dating websites accredited by the Better Business Bureau — it also boasts an A rating. Dating.com is not BBB accredited.

While eharmony has a higher Trustpilot rating — 2.8 compared to Dating.com’s 1.2 stars — some obviously fake positive reviews about Dating.com have boosted its score.

Cost

eharmony offers plans priced for 6-months, 12-months, and 24-month subscription plans with discounts for first-time users.

It does not have a free trial.

As of September 2025, eharmony costs per month:

  • Free basic account: $0
  • Premium Light: 
    • $38.94/ month for 6 months
    • $23.94/ month for 12 months
    • $17.94/ month for 24 months
  • Premium Plus:
    • $44.94/ month for 6 months
    • $26.34/ month for 12 months
    • $20.34/ month for 24 months
  • Premium Unlimited:
    • $47.94/ month for 6 months
    • $29.94/ month for 12 months
    • $21.54/ month for 24 months

Find your match on eharmony today >>

As mentioned, Dating.com users pay for credits. Below again is the breakdown of cost:

  • $19.99 150 credits/mo
  • $150 600 credits/mo
  • $300 1500 credits/mo

Which is better?

If you want my opinion about which dating website is better for legitimate dating, my pick is eharmony. 

While both dating websites will cost you money to interact with other users, Dating.com seems like it’s built more for casual interactions with people around the world rather than helping you find compatible matches — which is what eharmony does best.

Check out our full eharmony review and our reviews of other top dating sites and apps:

SingleParentMeetZooskPlenty of Fish
Plenty of FishAdult Friend FinderMatch.com
BumbleOKCupidInternational
dating sites
Spiritual dating sitesCatholic Dating sitesChristian dating apps
HingeJewish dating sitesMillionaire Match
The League
What is Dating.com?

Launched in 1993, Dating.com is a global online dating website and app. While most dating sites only let you match with other singles within a local radius, Dating.com allows you to connect with people all over the world.

How does Dating.com work?

Like other dating websites and apps, you start by creating a profile — adding your photos and filling out your bio with interests, hobbies, and general information (such as age, location, education, etc.). You also get space to share what you're looking for in a partner.

Is Dating.com a safe dating site?

Yes, Dating.com is as safe as any other dating website or app. However, one thing that caught me off guard was the lack of a verification process it has compared to its competitors.

Does Dating.com have fake profiles?

Every dating website is susceptible to fake profiles, and unfortunately, Dating.com isn't any different.

How much does Dating.com cost?

While you can create a profile for free on Dating.com, you have to pay to interact in real ways with other users. Dating.com operates on a credit system rather than a monthly subscription starting at $19.99 for 150 credits/mo.

Is Dating.com worth paying for?

I don’t think Dating.com is worth paying for if you’re legitimately looking to date. The pool of matches isn’t that big compared to other dating apps like Hinge or Tinder (and I’m from New York).

If you love traveling, boarding your pets can be expensive and inconvenient. Bothering your circle — or finding and paying for a trusted pet sitter — can also be an expensive headache. 

If you travel often or for extended periods of time, staying in hotels and rentals can also eat into your budget. 

TrustedHousesitters offers its members an affordable and unconventional solution by exchanging accommodations for pet and home sitting. It’s a great place to find trustworthy pet/house sitters or sit in exchange for practically free lodging while you travel. 

“As a travel expert and pet owner, finding a way to marry the two together can be stressful and unnerving,” says Cairo Ferguson, a TrustedHousesitters owner member and writer at Journey Junket. “My beloved cat Molly is hard to leave behind when I'm off on my adventures, so finding a trustworthy and reliable sitting service has been a godsend for me.” 

Keep reading for our TrustedHousesitters review and to see how the service works:

Table of contents

What is TrustedHousesitters?

TrustedHousesitters is an online service that connects home/pet owners and sitters via owner, sitter, or combined memberships. 

With a yearly membership, owners can find and hire sitters to stay in their home and provide home and pet care. Owners only pay the membership fee and do not offer the sitter additional pay. In exchange, sitters get free lodging while they watch the owner’s pets and home. 

Sitters also pay an annual membership to apply for sitting gigs and get hired in exchange for free accommodations. They do not collect additional payment from the owner or pay for their stay. 

Pet and homeowners, as well as pet and home sitters, pay for an annual membership starting at ​​$129 per year, which allows them to either: 

  • Hire pet and home sitters for free 
  • Receive free accommodations if they take a pet/home-sitting gig

If you want the perks of both a sitter and an owner membership, l combined owner/sitter memberships start at $189 per year. This membership is ideal for people who want to sit and also have people watch their pets/homes while they’re away.

Is Trusted House Sitters legit?

TrustedHousesitters is a legitimate service with mostly positive reviews from sitters and homeowners.

It’s difficult to find negative reviews about TrustedHousesitters, other than the odd person who had a bad experience with a specific sitter or homeowner, like this person: 

Need to rant about Trusted Housesitters. Where can I find a community of subscribers/users?
byu/sunnynihilist indigitalnomad

It seems that as long as you do your homework in selecting a sitter or choosing a place to sit, you should have a positive experience — barring any typical travel headaches.

“I’ve met great pets and people from all around the world,” says Sarah Wilson, TrustedHousesitters sitter/owner member and creator of the travel blog LifePart2andBeyond.com. 

“I’ve met sitters that I didn’t particularly gel with but my dog adored them, and I came back home to a happy dog, healthy plants, and a clean home, and that’s all you want. I love receiving lots of happy photos of my dog, and when I sit, I always send many photos of their pets, too. ”

TrustedHousesitters reviews on Trustpilot 

TrustedHousesitters is a verified company on Trustpilot with 4.6/5 stars based on nearly 15,000 reviews from both owners and sitters. 

Trusted Housesitters review on Trustpilot.

Many sitter reviews are from families, who shared fond memories of pet cuddles and comfortable (free) accommodations. 

Owner reviewers note how the service helped alleviate stress and worry about leaving pets alone while they traveled. Plus, they found caring and trustworthy pet sitters.

The few negative reviews consistently bring up issues with TrustedHousesitters' customer service department not taking adequate actions against house sitters who are inappropriate or negligent. There are horror stories of pet sitters abandoning pets or trashing homes, then threatening owners for giving them bad reviews. 

TrustedHousesitters does not have a Better Business Bureau profile or rating. 

TrustedHousesitters reviews on Reddit

Questions posted on Reddit about TrustedHousesitters mostly ask if the service is a scam or worth trying. Most responses from Redditors are from sitters who praise the service. One sitter member recounted how he had a great experience watching pets in dozens of countries to enjoy free lodging:

Trusted House Sitters – is it worth it during these times?
byu/neutral_neutrino indigitalnomad

Another Redditor said sitters on TrustedHousesitters are more motivated to do an excellent job than paid in-home sitters like those hired on Rover. They note that positive reviews help sitters book extremely nice homes while traveling:

Dog owners who've used Rover and TrustedHouseSitters: which did you prefer for long overnight sits?
byu/sketchygio indogs

How does Trusted House Sitters work?

Pet and homeowners pay a yearly subscription on TrustedHousesitters to:

  • Create a profile for their home/pets
  • Post a listing to find house and pet sitters for a specific time period
  • Browse/hire house and pet sitters

House/pet sitters also pay a yearly subscription, which allows them to:

  • Create a profile that lists their credentials, availability, and where they’re willing to travel
  • Apply for unlimited pet and home-sitting gigs from available listings

Once sitters apply to a listing, owners can review their profiles and read reviews. Owners can also exchange additional messages with sitters to learn more about them before hiring. It’s also recommended owners and sitters set up a video chat via a third-party app like Zoom, WhatsApp, or FaceTime. This is another opportunity to get to know each other.

Sitters accept home and pet sitting jobs for no additional pay. Their “pay” is getting to stay at the owner’s home for free and essentially have a vacation in the area they’re staying. Sitters will still be responsible for other travel expenses like flights and food.

Unlike other house-sitting websites, owners and sitters on TrustedHousesitters do not swap homes — the homeowners typically already have a trip booked when they post a listing on the site — though someone can sign up as an owner and a sitter to get the perks of both memberships. 

This video explains how TrustedHousesitters works: 

Who is TrustedHousesitters good for?

TrustedHousesitters is perfect for pet owners who frequently travel and don’t want to board their pets (or pay for pet sitting). Owners who have homes in or near vacation destinations and major cities will likely have better luck connecting with pet sitters. Since pet sitters are unpaid — and have to pay for their own travel expenses like flights and food — there isn't much motivation to pet and house sit in undesirable locations. 

“Part of the reason I felt comfortable using the service was the vigorous checks done on sitters, which include references and background checks,” Ferguson says. 

She says the first time she used the service, she chose someone with a lot of positive reviews. 

“I was so lucky that the couple that looked after my Molly was amazing – and even added me to their WhatsApp and sent me pictures throughout the duration of my trip – which really put my mind at ease,” she says. “I actually always book the same guys now and make sure they are available around booking my trips.” 

TrustedHousesitters is also an excellent service for folks who love spending time with animals and want to save money on travel accommodations. Paying for a yearly sitter membership allows you to book free lodging while traveling in exchange for caring for someone's home and pets. It helps if you have a flexible schedule or can bring your work with you to wherever you travel. 

“Almost all the pet-sitting experiences were fabulous,” says Shelley Ross, TrustedHousesitters sitter member and creator of the travel blog, Lifejourney4two. “I tend to choose those with cats and/or limited to one to two dogs now, which makes life easier and gives me time to explore the area, which is the whole point for me.”

Ross says she has saved thousands in accommodation fees traveling all over the world. 

“One of my early sits was in France, for nine months, and another in South Africa for five months. Just those two meant I paid no accommodation costs whatsoever for over a year. 

She says that while pet and house sitting does have its responsibilities, she enjoys spending time with the pets and being able to explore new places at a greatly reduced cost.

If you are someone with pets who wants to travel to new destinations, you can use the service in both ways with a combined membership, which allows you to house/pet sit anywhere in the world and also hire a pet sitter to watch your own pets while you do it. 

Trusted House Sitters memberships

There are nine annual membership options on TrustedHousesitters:

What are the 3 types of memberships? 

  • Owner – Owner memberships are for people seeking house and pet sitters while they travel. Owners can post listings and browse/hire pet and home sitters based on their profiles/reviews. Plans get more sophisticated as the cost increases to include additional insurance, features, and travel perks. 
  • Sitter – Sitter memberships are for people who want to pet and home sit in exchange for free accommodations. All plans offer free background checks. More expensive plans offer additional insurance, tech support, and travel perks. 
  • Combined – Combined memberships offer the perks of both of the other membership options. You can house and pet sit to get free accommodations while you travel and hire people to care for your pets and home while you're away.

How much does a TrustedHousesitters membership cost?

These are all of the TrustedHousesitters membership options and their annual costs: 

Sitter annual membership pricing

  • Basic – $129 per year
  • Standard – $169 per year
  • Premium – $259 per year

Owner annual membership pricing

  • Basic $129 per year
  • Standard $199 per year
  • Premium $259 per year

Combined annual membership pricing

  • Basic $189 per year
  • Standard $229 per year
  • Premium $319 per year

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What does it take to become a member?

For home/pet owners, becoming a TrustedHousesitters member is a relatively easy and quick process that requires you to create a profile and pay for an annual membership. 

Becoming a sitter member will require some additional time and work. All sitters must complete ID checks to verify their identities, and all U.S. sitters must undergo a free background check. 

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How to set up a Trusted House Sitters profile

Both home/pet owners and sitters should use a catchy heading that invites people to view their profiles. 

If you’re a pet/homeowner, your profile should include: 

  • Name
  • Photos of your home/pet
  • Description of your home/pet
  • Things to do near your home
  • What you need the sitter to take care of
  • Additional information about your pet’s needs
  • Dates you need a pet/home sitter
  • Why someone should pet/house sit at your home

If you’re a sitter, your profile should include: 

  • Name
  • Photo of you
  • Age
  • Location
  • Career 
  • Why you want to house sit
  • If you're a solo sitter, couple, or family
  • Hobbies and interests
  • House/pet-sitting experience or skills 
  • Character references

Why choose Trusted House Sitters?

If you are someone with pets who loves to travel — and your home is in a desirable location — TrustedHousesitters can be an excellent service to get free pet sitting. Likewise, if you are someone who loves pets and wants to save money on travel, you can get free accommodations using TrustedHousesitters. 

Reasons for owners

  • Required sitter background checks for more peace of mind 
  • Membership costs significantly less than boarding your pet at a kennel
  • Standard and premium memberships include up to $1 million coverage for theft, property damage, public liability, or sitter-related accidents
  • Refunded membership if you can't find a sitter within 14 days of posting your initial listing
  • 24/7 access to free phone, chat, and video consultations with veterinarians
  • Premium memberships include two global airport lounge passes eligible in more than 600 airport lounges
  • Premium memberships include cancellation insurance that covers $150 per night ($1500 per sit) to cover alternative sitters

“The yearly fee pays for itself the first time you get a sitter,” says Libbi Roed, a TrustedHousesitters owner member and travel advisor behind the travel agency, The Gypsea Traveller. 

She says she typically pays a pet sitter $40-60 per night to watch her dog and cat, so the annual fee is actually less than a week of paying a sitter. 

Reasons for sitters

  • Save a ton of money on travel accommodations
  • Homes are available in more than 150 countries
  • Many owners are happy to allow sitters with children to stay in their homes, too
  • U.S. memberships include free background checks and email, phone, ID, and reference checks
  • Standard and premium memberships cover up to $1 million in pet damages or injuries during your sit
  • Premium memberships include cancellation insurance that covers up to $150 per night ($1500 per sit) to pay for an alternative stay
  • Premium members receive two global airport lounge passes for your travels

“We, of course, love spending time with the animals and are usually sad to leave them.  It's been a fantastic experience,”  says Melissa Rowe, TrustedHousesitters sitter member and co-creator of the travel blog Wandering Through Maine. 

She says she recently spent a month in Poland and is currently in England for four different month-long sitting gigs. 

“It's incredible that we get to work online (ESL and math), travel the world, stay in amazing locations for months at a time without paying for lodging, and we get to have fun with an amazing assortment of animals.”

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Trusted House Sitters alternatives

If you’re looking for a home swap or more traditional pet-sitting service, these are some Trusted House Sitters alternatives: 

Love Home Swap

Love Home Swap is an online community that lets people swap homes for a vacation — similar to the arrangement in the movie, “The Holiday.” While people who swap homes can agree to watch each other’s pets, Love Home Swap is mainly a service for people who want to swap vacation homes.  

Love Home Swap has three plan options ranging from $132 to $180. You can also purchase points to redeem for stays without swapping homes. Love Home Swap offers a free, two-week trial that lets you list your home and view available home swaps in more than 100 countries. 

Home Exchange

Home Exchange is a home swap site with a similar model to Love Home Swap, with stays available in 159 countries. Annual Home Exchange memberships cost $175, which allows users to participate in an unlimited number of home exchanges. 

You can create a Home Exchange profile for free and find a home to exchange before you sign up. You can also use GuestPoints to pay for stays if you don’t want to host people in your home, which you can earn or buy through the site. 

Exchanges can include taking care of pets. Members can also have their ID and contact information verified. 

Read our Home Exchange review and start searching for home swaps all over the world on Home Exchange >>

Rover

Rover is an app strictly for pet sitting, dog walking, and doggy daycare. Users pay for individual services booked through the app, and there is no flat fee for pet sitting services. 

Like TrustedHousesitters, Rover requires sitters to pass a background check. You can find sitters to come to your home or leave your pets with the sitter in their home. 

TrustedHousesitters FAQs

Do you make money on Trusted House Sitters?

No, you will not make money on TrustedHousesitters. Owners do not pay sitters to stay in their home. Sitters are essentially “paid” for their pet and home care services with a free place to stay. 

Owners also can't make money listing their homes to pet and home sitters like a vacation rental. Instead, both owners and sitters pay a yearly fee to be able to search for and book stays and sitting services.

Is house sitting safe?

There is always a level of risk when you’re letting a stranger stay in your home and take care of your pets. However, TrustedHousesitters requires U.S. sitter members to complete a free criminal background check through an accredited third-party service called Evident. All sitters must also apply for an ID document check through Evident to verify their identity. 

The best way to ensure you’re hiring a safe person to watch your home/pets is to: 

  • Read their past reviews and ratings 
  • Connect on a video or phone call before your trip

How does Trusted House Sitters handle insurance?

You are responsible for having your own home insurance policy as a TrustedHousesitters owner to cover damage, theft, and other liabilities. However, some insurance policies won't cover house sitters. 

To fill this liability gap, the standard owner and premium owner membership levels also include Home & Contents Protection underwritten by GUARDHOG. With an existing home insurance policy, this additional protection plan covers up to $1 million in theft, property damage, public liability, or sitter-related accidents. 

Standard owner and premium sitter memberships on TrustedHousesitters offer sitters accident and third-party liability protection. This covers sitters for up to $1 million in pet damage or injuries on their watch. 

Premium sitter and owner memberships also provide cancellation insurance to help pay for hotel stays or pet/home sitting services in the event of a cancellation. Sitters and owners who cancel sits may face repercussions — like having their membership canceled or suspended — if the cancellation is outside membership terms. 

Bottom line: If you love pets and traveling, TrustedHousesitters might be right for you

Paying for a TrustedHousesitters owner or sitter membership allows you to book unlimited home or pet sitting services for as long as you’re a member.

You can also book home and pet sitting gigs all over the world and never pay for accommodations. You can also sign up for a combined TrustedHousesitters membership to take advantage of both options.

Start pet sitting or find a pet sitter on TrustedHousesitters >>

Whether you’re an owner or sitter, you can cover other travel expenses with a travel rewards credit card.

What is TrustedHousesitters?

TrustedHousesitters is an online service that connects home/pet owners and sitters via owner, sitter, or combined memberships.

How does Trusted House Sitters work?

Pet and homeowners as well as pet sitters/house sitters each pay a yearly subscription on TrustedHousesitters.

Who is TrustedHousesitters good for?

TrustedHousesitters is perfect for pet owners who frequently travel and don’t want to board their pets (or pay for pet sitting).

Is Trusted House Sitters legit?

TrustedHousesitters is a legitimate service with mostly positive reviews from sitters and homeowners.

Do you make money on Trusted House Sitters?

No, you will not make money on TrustedHousesitters. Owners do not pay sitters to stay in their home. Sitters are essentially “paid” for their pet and home care services with a free place to stay.

Is house sitting safe?

There is always a level of risk when you’re letting a stranger stay in your home and take care of your pets. However, TrustedHousesitters requires U.S. sitter members to complete a free criminal background check through an accredited third-party service called Evident. All sitters must also apply for an ID document check through Evident to verify their identity.

How does Trusted House Sitters handle insurance?

You are responsible for having your own home insurance policy as a TrustedHousesitters owner to cover damage, theft, and other liabilities. However, some insurance policies won't cover house sitters.

Did you know you can earn free gift cards? They are easier to get than you might think. 

If you’re open to taking online surveys, shopping online, or playing video games online, you can earn free Visa gift cards, free Amazon gift cards, free gift cards to restaurants, and more.

Check out these legit options for scoring free gift cards:

How to score free gift cards: Complete online surveys

1. Branded Surveys

2. Toluna

3. Focus Group

4. OpinionOutpost

5. InboxDollars

6. Swagbucks

7. MyPoints

8. Survey Junkie

9. PrizeRebel

10. Survey Club

11. LifePoints

12. Grindabuck

How to get free gift cards through everyday spending

13. Credit card rewards

14. Ibotta

15. Fetch Rewards

16. Dosh

17. ShopKick

18. TopCashBack

19. Amazon Shopper Panel

20. Pinata

21. CoinOut

22. Checkout51

23. BeFrugal

24. Gift cards from retailers after purchase 

More ways to get free gift cards

25. Amazon Trade-In

26. Refer a friend

Have a gift card you can't use? Where to find a gift exchange kiosk:

How to score free gift cards: Complete online surveys

1. Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is a website where anyone can create a profile, take surveys, and earn cash. The more details you provide about yourself, the more surveys you may be eligible for (you’ll receive email notifications when a survey fits your profile).

The surveys are provided by market research firms on behalf of Fortune 500 companies. When you complete a survey, you’ll earn points to turn into cash — $5 for every 500 points earned.

You can take surveys for Amazon, Apple, CVS Pharmacy, DoorDash, Instacart, Staples, and Visa gift cards, among others.

Start earning cash with Branded Surveys >>

2. Toluna 

Toluna Influencers is a free online community where you can share your opinion about top global brands. Joining Toluna gets you 500 welcome points. Earn more by completing surveys and referring members.

Use points to get gift cards or cash within three weeks of redemption. Earn your first $10 reward when you hit 30,000 points. You can take surveys on your computer or mobile device.

You can get gift cards to retailers like: 

  • Amazon
  • Petco
  • Target
  • Starbucks
  • TJ Maxx
  • Tango 

You can also opt for cash payouts to PayPal. Once you redeem your points, it can take up to three weeks to receive your gift card or cash payout. 

Earn free gift cards and cash with Toluna >>

3. Focus Group

Focus Group offers surveys online, by phone, and in person at one of 16 offices across the nation. You can join for free and sign up to take surveys to earn points. 

Earn $1 for each 100 points and exchange them for gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, and others. 

You can start redeeming rewards when you hit $5. Points never expire for active members. Add points to your Focus Wallet and redeem rewards in seven to 10 business days. 

Focus Group is active on social media (IG, Twitter, and Facebook) so you can ask questions and learn more about this free membership where you can get free gift cards just for sharing what you think.

Sign up for Focus Group and get paid fast >>

4. OpinionOutpost

At Opinion Outpost, you can earn rewards for taking online surveys on different subjects. You’ll get points for every survey you complete (typically 10 points, or $1, per survey), and you’ll receive email alerts when new surveys are available. Survey types include:

  • Product tests (review prototypes before they hit the shelf)
  • Advert reviews (give feedback on ads before they launch)
  • Diary studies (keep track of and share your lifestyle habits)
  • Focus groups (take part in group discussions on a variety of topics)
  • Location-based services (participate in targeted surveys based on your location)
  • Ad survey studies (share your thoughts on ads you see on Google) 

When it’s time to cash out, choose from three types of rewards: PayPal cash, a virtual VISA prepaid card, or Target, iTunes, and Amazon gift cards. Opinion Outpost commissions over three million surveys and pays the equivalent of $390,000 to its community each month. 

Keep in mind that some rewards (such as for diary studies and focus groups) take up to six weeks to arrive.

5. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is a reward website with multiple ways to earn:

  • Take paid online surveys. Each one takes 3-25 minutes to complete and pays between $0.50 to $5, or sometimes $10-20.
  • Play games. InboxDollars has its own games, plus games from GSN Casino — for every dollar you spend, you’ll earn 18% cash back.
  • Go online shopping. Earn cash back or get samples and discounts from top brands.
  • Read emails. Receive InboxDollars offers in your inbox and get cash for reading them.
  • Enjoy grocery rewards. Get access to cash back deals on supermarket products, or earn money for scanning receipts. 

With the rewards, you can take surveys for gift cards, including Amazon, Target, Home Depot, and Starbucks.

Brands pay InboxDollars for consumer input, then InboxDollars pays you. 

6. Swagbucks

Swagbucks, which offers a $10 signup bonus, gives you free gift cards and cash for the everyday things you do online. You’ll earn points by doing things like:

  • Shopping online
  • Playing video games
  • Searching the web
  • Answering surveys
  • Finding great deals 

Then, you can redeem those points for gift cards to retailers such as Amazon, Apple, Target, Mastercard, Dunkin’, and Walmart. You can also sign up to get cash back via PayPal.

7. MyPoints

Similar to Swagbucks, MyPoints also offers a $10 signup bonus. This website lets you earn points by shopping at your favorite stores.

You can also take polls and answer surveys to get gift cards — including Walmart, Starbucks, Target, and ebay — and you’ll still get a bonus even if you don’t qualify for a survey. Some surveys pay as much as $50.

With MyPoints, you’ll get up to 40% back on every purchase from 2,000 top retailers, including Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Amazon. You’ll also be able to access and use the latest sales, coupons, promo codes, and deals at these stores. 

8. Survey Junkie

Get paid to take surveys with Survey Junkie by building your profile, completing surveys that are a match, and earning virtual points. You can redeem these points for a PayPal cashout or for e-gift cards,  including Amazon, Walmart, Sephora, Starbucks, Visa, and iTunes.

You can choose whether to only participate in the core Survey Junkie community, which offers surveys for attitudinal-based market research (research that gauges your attitude toward a product or brand), or participate in the SJ Pulse Community, which features behavioral market research (provides insights on consumer behavior to improve a product or product presentation).

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9. PrizeRebel

PrizeRebel gives you access to thousands of online opinion surveys from market research companies. You’ll complete surveys at your leisure to earn points, which you can trade in for rewards like gift cards from Amazon, eBay, Apple, Google, and other brands.

99% of PrizeRebel gift cards are delivered digitally within five minutes. The site offers gift cards starting as low as $5. Since 2007, PrizeRebel has given out $2.5 million in rewards. 

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10. Survey Club

Established in 2005, Survey Club now has more than 16 million members on six continents who take surveys and earn money. The website connects you with paid research opportunities in your area, such as:

  • Online surveys
  • Private panels
  • Focus groups
  • Clinical trials
  • In-home usage tests
  • Online bulletin boards
  • Taste tests
  • Mystery shopping studies 

After filling out your profile, you can view studies that might be a good fit for you on the “Available Studies” page. Once you’ve completed enough surveys to accumulate $25 in rewards, you can request payment via Amazon gift cards. Other research panels might pay you in cash, gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cash sweepstakes, prize drawings, or charitable contributions. 

11. LifePoints

On the LifePoints website, you can earn rewards for sharing your time and opinions through surveys. Register for free and keep an eye on your inbox to be notified of new surveys. Most surveys take 10-20 minutes to complete. Plus, keep an eye out for weekly giveaways for bonus points or other items.

You can spend your points on rewards such as PayPal vouchers or e-gift certificates from Starbucks, Amazon, and iTunes. LifePoints has paid over $22 million to its members throughout the past year.

12. Grindabuck

Grindabuck gives you a choice of how to earn points to get free Amazon gift cards, Walmart gift cards, PayPal cash, cryptocurrency, and more:

  • Share your opinion in a survey
  • Become a product tester
  • Download and try a new app
  • Watch videos
  • Complete a partner offer
  • Participate in contests and giveaways
  • Refer new members

Get 100 Grindabucks ($1 value) when you sign up for a free account. Cash out when you reach a minimum of $10. You can sign up with an email address or a Facebook account. Unlock more rewards as you earn new VIP levels of membership or reach monthly activity goals.

If you are looking to save money on everyday purchases, check out DontPayFull, a free browser extension that automatically generates coupon and discount codes for more than 25,000 retailers.

How to get free gift cards through everyday spending

You’re going to shop online, buy groceries, or pay rent anyway. You might as well get paid for it.  

Check out these tried and true options for earning free gift cards and cash when you spend money:

13. Credit card rewards

You may be able to earn cash back rewards when you use your credit card, depending on where and when you shop at different types of retailers. These are a few examples:

  • Wells Fargo Active Cash card — 2% cash back
  • Citi Custom Cash card — 1-5% cash back
  • Blue Cash Preferred from American Express — 1-6% cash back

Credit cards typically change rewards retailers every three months, so keep an eye out for any updates from your company.

14. Ibotta

The Ibotta app lets users earn cash back when you shop in store or online at top national retailers. Ibotta offers cash back for your entire purchase or for individual products. 

There are multiple ways to earn through Ibotta. 

  1. Submit a photo of your receipt to get cash back on qualifying purchases. 
  2. Link loyalty accounts for your favorite retailers in the Ibotta app. When you use those linked loyalty accounts at checkout, your purchases will be linked to qualifying offers so you can get cash back.

Another option is to buy a gift card and instantly get up to 10% cash back on the entire amount. New members can also get $5 when they spend $15 in gift cards.

Ibotta partnered with Amazon and new users might be eligible to earn an Amazon gift card. When you redeem your cash-back rewards you can opt to receive gift cards from retailers like Target, Starbucks, and Sephora.

7 best cash back apps to scan receipts for money

15. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards has a free app where you can earn points on any receipt from any store or restaurant (as long as the receipt is from the past 14 days). Once you’ve scanned an image of your receipt, you can earn rewards, including gift cards to places like Popeye’s, Best Buy, Delta, and Amazon. You can also get a Visa gift card. 

Each scan typically earns you about five points. You’ll earn $1 for every 1,000 points you accumulate. Gift cards are available in multiple denominations from retailers like Walmart and Amazon.

16. Dosh

Dosh gives you automatic cash back at thousands of places when you shop, dine, or book hotels. There’s no need to scan your receipts. Instead, download the Dosh app and link your cards.

When you swipe, Dosh deposits cash back into your wallet automatically. Other payment methods, such as Venmo, also provide a cash back option with Dosh.

Once you’ve accumulated $25, you can transfer the money to your bank, PayPal, or Venmo. Or choose to donate your cash to charity. Dash uses bank-level encryption to keep your information safe and does not store any of your credit or banking information.

17. ShopKick

Download the free ShopKick app to get points (called “kicks”) when you walk into a partner store, scan the barcode on select products, or make a purchase. You can also earn points by shopping online (at certain stores) and by watching videos in the ShopKick app.

Once your “kicks” have added up, redeem these points for digital gift cards from certain retailers — such as Starbucks, Target, Ulta Beauty, and Amazon. 

18. TopCashBack

TopCashback advertises that you can earn over $400 a year by shopping online through thousands of top U.S. brands.

When you make a purchase from a retailer featured on TopCashback after clicking through from the site, the retailer gives TopCashback a commission for sending you to their website — and TopCashback gives 100% of this commission to you. With your cash-back rewards, you can earn free gift cards like Amazon, Disney, and Sephora.

With over 4,400 retailers available, this is a great website to use for things like airport parking, hotel bookings, and car rentals, as well as shopping your favorite fashion, electronics, and home brands. 

19. Amazon Shopper Panel

If you have an Amazon account, the Amazon Shopper panel is an invitation-only rewards program where you can earn cash on your Amazon balance or donate it to a participating charity such as the ASPCA, American Cancer Society, Feeding America, and more.

Earn rewards by scanning receipts, taking surveys, and verifying Amazon ads you see on your smartphone or tablet. Rewards are added to your account every month for redemption.

If you haven't been invited you can still download the app and join a waiting list.

20. Pinata

How would you like to get free gift cards just for paying your rent? Pinata is a rewards app that also helps you build credit to boost your credit score when you connect your bank account.

With Pinata, you can:

  • Earn Pinata cash every month when you verify your rent payment to get free gift cards to Starbucks, Airbnb, Postmates, and more
  • Get Pinata cash by taking surveys, trying new products, or referring friends and family to try the app
  • Get a free gift card just for signing up

If you pay rent, you can use the app even if your landlord does not have a Pinata account. Signing up is free and takes just a few minutes.

21. CoinOut

The CoinOut app rewards you for scanning receipts for just about anything you buy. This free to join app also connects your email and accounts like Amazon, Instacart, and Walmart for digital receipt collection.

Rewards points vary by retailer. You can cash out any balance to get an Amazon gift card or receive cash to your bank account through Zelle. PayPal cash out requires a $20 minimum balance. It takes 10 business days to get your gift card or cash reward.

22. Checkout51

With Checkout 51, you can earn cash back when you buy gas or groceries. It’s a free app that mails you a check every time you earn $20 in your Checkout51 account.

To get started:

  • Sign up for a free account
  • Browse offers in your area
  • Add them to your account
  • Go out and redeem your offers
  • Scan your receipts as proof or redemption to earn cash back

New offers pop up in your app every Thursday. Each offer will share details about how to earn the reward. Some are time-sensitive. 

23. BeFrugal

BeFrugal allows you to earn up to 40% cash back at over 5,000 stores and businesses including Amazon, Walmart, ebay, The Home Depot, Booking.com, and others. You can earn free gift cards or get cash payouts via:

  • Paper check
  • PayPay
  • Direct bank deposit
  • Venmo
  • Zelle

Get a $10 bonus just for signing up and use the BeFrugal app when you shop to get more cash back on offers and take advantage of discounted products for home goods, personal care items, electronics, and more.

24. Gift cards from retailers after purchase 

Many retailers give you a free gift card for purchasing certain items. Stores that do this include:

  • Target — check for promotion details in the weekly ad or Current Promotions page (for example, free $5 gift card when you buy any three eye care products or free $150 gift card when you buy a certain mattress)
  • buybuy BABY — get a free goody bag with samples and coupons after creating a registry 
  • Victoria’s Secret — seasonal offers such as spend $20+, get $20
  • Sam’s Club — get a $45 egift card after becoming a member
  • L.L. Bean — earn Bean Bucks by shopping at L.L. Bean and elsewhere with the L.L. Bean Mastercard
  • Kohl’s — shop during an “earn period” and get $10 Kohl’s Cash for every $50 you spend

Other retailers have seasonal deals for gift cards where you can earn a free gift card by purchasing certain products, a certain dollar amount, or another gift card. Look for these deals in November and December. Just keep in mind that these gift cards sometimes have to be redeemed within a specific period of time.

More ways to get free gift cards

25. Amazon Trade-In

The Amazon Trade-In program allows customers to receive an Amazon gift card in exchange for devices like Kindle readers, cell phones, and video games. Amazon recycles or re-sells these old devices and rewards you with a gift card, as well as 25% off a new qualifying Amazon device.

To participate, answer some questions about your device to make sure it’s eligible for the program. Then ship the item using a prepaid shipping label. Within 10 days, Amazon will verify the item’s condition and apply a gift card balance to your account.

26. Refer a friend

Some places offer free gift cards in exchange for customer referrals. A few companies and websites that provide this promotion include:

  • Deputy — share your referral link and get a $100 gift card when your friend becomes a paying customer
  • Goli Nutrition — get a $10 gift card for every friend you refer
  • TaxAct — get a $20 Amazon gift card for every eligible friend that files with TaxAct
  • T-Mobile — existing customers can receive a $50 Virtual Express Prepaid MasterCard card for referring friends and family to open new postpaid accounts with T-Mobile

Some credit cards also offer referral bonuses.

Have a gift card you can't use? Where to find a gift exchange kiosk:

After an exhaustive search for gift exchange kiosks in major grocery, pharmacy, and big box stores, we found that there aren’t many still around. 

However, you can get cash for your unwanted gift cards through these legit sites that will pay you for your stray gift cards:

CardCash

Create a free account and get up to 92% of the value of your gift card via check, bank deposit, or PayPal. Most cards don’t require shipping, and there are no fees. Enter your gift card information on the online form, and see what CardCash is willing to pay. 

If you accept, payments are processed in 24-48 hours once card details are verified. Choose from hundreds of stores. Gift cards with expiration dates are not accepted. 

ClipKard

With a free account, you can sell gift cards from popular brands like Starbucks, Walmart, and Target without fees. If you agree to an offer, you’ll ship your cards with complimentary USPS first class shipping. 

ClipKard pays via PayPal or issues a check by mail within 24 hours of receiving your gift cards. Checks take 5-14 days on average to arrive. ClipKard won’t buy e-gift cards, and you can’t sell more than $300 in gift cards within a 15-day period. 

Gameflip

Gameflip is a gaming marketplace for selling gift cards from major retailers and game and entertainment brands like Nintendo, PlayStation, Netflix, and Best Buy. You can set your own prices, but Gameflip recommends selling them for up to 15% off. 

Once you list your cards, interested buyers will purchase your cards. Payments go to your Gameflip wallet but are held in escrow until the buyer verifies receipt of the gift card code. You can use the money from the sale on Gameflip or send funds to Wise, Payoneer, Skrill, or Bitcoin. These services may charge payout fees.

GiftCash

Get up to 93% of your card’s value by selling it on GiftCash. Enter your card details to view the cash offer. If you accept, you can choose a payout option: ACH deposit to your bank account or cryptocurrency. Both methods charge a small processing fee. 

Payouts take 10-15 business days to process (5-10 for Canadian retailers). If you have a gift card with a minimum value of $25, you can sell it through GiftCash. However, Air Canada, Apple/iTunes and Petco require a minimum card value of $100. 

Raise 

If you want to set your own price, Raise provides a marketplace for you to sell unwanted gift cards, whether they’re new or used. Create a free account to list your gift cards for sale. 

Raise offers payouts by ACH bank deposit or PayPal. It can take 3-5 business days to process payments. You can sell your cards faster if you offer a competitive price. Just be aware that Raise takes a 15% commission from all gift card sales.

Check out these other free and low-cost resources:

Help for single moms: 16+ resources$500 monthly single mom grant
Free laptopsScholarships for single moms
Free carFree Christmas gifts
Free smartphoneBest jobs moms can do from home
Free wifiFree and low-cost prescriptions
Free formulaFree clothes
Free toysGovernment assistance for single moms
Free gasFree daycare
Free preschoolFree prescription glasses
10+ charities that help single mothersTutoring and homework help
Free diapersDumpster diving
Low-income home loansFree school supplies
Free housingHome buyer grants
Free money for ChristmasFree or cheap dental care
Cheap eats near meFree money for bills
Free ridesFree bus passes
Free bus ticketsFree ipad
Free furnitureEBT cash
EBT on AmazonEBT discounts and freebies
Free appliancesFree cable
Free car insurance

Whether you want to find out more about an elusive neighbor, see what the internet has to say about you, or track down a former boyfriend or girlfriend, using a background check service is a simple way to quickly get the information you need.

TruthFinder is one such online service you can use to dig for information on someone. You can even use it to find out what others see online when they search for you. 

Keep reading for our TruthFinder review to find out:

How TruthFinder works

What info Truthfinder provides

If Truthfinder is legit

TruthFinder reviews

Is TruthFinder incognito?

TruthFinder reviews FAQs

Pros and cons of TruthFinder

Bottom line: Is TruthFinder worth it?

Start searching on TruthFinder>>

What is TruthFinder and how does TruthFinder get your information? 

TruthFinder is a background search service that crawls public records and aggregates the information into a report. You can use it to search for just about anyone in the United States by typing in their name, phone number, email address, or physical address. 

What information does TruthFinder provide?

When you run a background check on someone using TruthFinder, you may be able to see the following:

  • Contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, social media profiles)
  • Possible relatives and acquaintances 
  • Career and academic history
  • Present and past addresses
  • Criminal and traffic records
  • Marriage and divorce records
  • Birth and death certificates
  • Property records
  • Professional licenses
  • Bankruptcies
  • Sex offenders in the area

Does TruthFinder reveal SSN?

TruthFinder won’t reveal someone else’s social security number to you in any of their background reports. However, they do have a section on their background reports that lets you know when and where someone’s Social Security Number was issued.

How far back does TruthFinder go?

According to Consumer Affairs, a customer review platform, the information included in a TruthFinder report goes back as far as 15 years — although results vary by person. I was able to see my aunt’s childhood address, where she lived in the 1960s, in her report. 

Keep in mind that convicted crimes, including felonies and misdemeanors, will stay on someone’s records indefinitely until the person files a request to have their criminal and traffic record expunged or sealed, according to the Center for American Progress. 

TransUnion credit reporting agency reports that bankruptcies will stay on someone’s record for seven to 10 years, depending on which type of bankruptcy they file. 

If you are trying to find a career and have a spotty record, check out our list of no background check posts.

Is TruthFinder precise? Does it work?

Customer reviews say that TruthFinder is mostly precise and that the service works relatively well.

However, what you’ll be able to find really varies from person to person. Some customers complain that the information in reports isn’t totally up-to-date or is pretty basic.

From my experience of doing background checks on myself and family members, TruthFinder was simple to use and provided precise results, although there was nothing surprising in any of the reports I ran. 

They have different types of searches you can conduct on their website: 

  • Background check
  • People search
  • Public records search
  • Reverse phone lookup service

TruthFinder searches can reveal someone’s contact information, criminal and traffic records, marriage and divorce records, career history, current and previous addresses, and social media profiles. 

TruthFinder background check

With TruthFinder’s background check, you can pull a background report on an online date, cheating spouse, family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or co-tenant — but not on a potential employee or tenant. You’ll need to input into TruthFinder the person’s first name, last name, city, and state to run a background check.

Once you do this, TruthFinder will run the background check and compile it into a report, which may include: academic historyemic history, career history, relatives, and more.

Learn how to run background checks for the following reasons:

TruthFinder’s people search allows you to find someone’s contact information, whether you’re looking to reconnect with an old friend or get in touch with an estranged family member.  

You can search just by first and last name, but you’ll get the best results if you also include a city and state. Once you input their information, TruthFinder will run the search and compile the results into a background report, including all of the same information listed above.

You can use TruthFinder’s public records search to find public records, arrest records, or information about a legal case. 

After typing in a person’s first name, last name, city, and state, TruthFinder will run the public records search and compile the information into a background report. Just like the background check service, the report may include the following information:

  • Birth records
  • Death certificates
  • Arrest records
  • Criminal and traffic records
  • Marriage records
  • Divorce records
  • Bankruptcies
  • Property records
  • Professional licenses 

This is a good option if you're dating someone and notice some red flags or if you're trying to find people online.

TruthFinder’s reverse phone lookup

If you want to look up a spam number or find out who’s been texting your partner, you can use TruthFinder’s reverse phone lookup. 

All you have to do is type in the phone number, and TruthFinder will create a report telling you the name of the person associated with that number and any other known aliases that person has. 

The report may also include a photo of the person, links to their social media profiles, and career and academic history. 

Is TruthFinder legit?

TruthFinder is a legitimate, Better Business Bureau-accredited company based in San Diego. They currently hold an A+ BBB rating. The business launched in 2015 and holds favorable ratings on consumer review sites like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.

TruthFinder reviews

Here is what people have shared about their experiences with TruthFinder on major review sites like BBB and Trustpilot:

BBB rating

TruthFinder has an A rating from the BBB and has been an accredited business since 2018. Customer reviews are mixed, with the company holding a 2.81/5-star customer rating.

Positive customer reviews note that the reverse phone lookup is a great tool to identify scam callers. They also highlight TruthFinder's good customer service and how simple it is to cancel a subscription.

Negative customer reviews claim the information found is inexact, costly, or basic enough to find in a Google search.  They also complain about spam when you provide your cell number and email address.

3-star review about TruthFinder on BBB.
1-star TruthFinder review on BBB.
3-star review of TruthFinder on the BBB website.

Trustpilot reviews

TruthFinder has more than 500 customer reviews on the BBB website and over 1,200 customer reviews on TrustPilot. Although customer reviews on both platforms are mixed, they're mostly positive, with 56% of TrustPilot reviewers giving TruthFinder 5/5 stars and 14% rating them 4/5 stars.

Reddit reviews

Reddit users have mixed reviews about using TruthFinder. Some call it a scam while others find it useful. 

Reddit users share positive experiences with using TruthFinder.
Positive Reddit review of TruthFinder.
Reddit user shares a good experience using TruthFinder.
Reddit users share mixed feelings about TruthFinder results and price.

Our own experience with and TruthFinder review 

I signed up for the $1 five-day trial to see how TruthFinder’s background check service works. Once I put in my payment information and verified my email address, I was able to use TruthFinder. 

I wanted to find out what information other people could see about me, so I started by running a background check search on myself. I entered my name, city, and state, and in about a minute, my report was ready. 

The results were precise, albeit underwhelming (although I guess I should be happy that there isn’t more about me out there for other people to find). 

I was able to see my age, birth month, possible relatives (including my boyfriend), possible associates (these included my boyfriend and friends of my parents), my parent’s home phone number, my current and previous addresses (with the dates I lived in each place), and a list of sex offenders in my neighborhood. 

Truthfinder Reviews of phone number search.

Next, I tried searching for my estranged aunt whom my parents and I haven’t seen or spoken to in five years. I knew her name and address, but I had lost her phone number and had no idea what she’d been up to since we last saw each other. 

In her report, I was able to get her possible aliases (versions of her name including her maiden and married last names), home and cell phone numbers, and a few possible email addresses. 

Truthfinder Reviews of past phone number search.

I was also able to see her possible relatives (which included her husband, son, and in-laws)  as well as her current and previous addresses — all the way back to the address where she and my dad grew up (in the '60s and '70s!). 

I also learned that my aunt sold my grandmother’s house, which had been in her possession since my grandmother died, in 2018.  

Truthfinder Reviews of address search.

Finally, I signed up for a month of TruthFinder’s reverse phone lookup service ($4.99) to check if any of the random calls I get on my cell phone daily were people I knew or if they were just spammers. 

I was able to get names, email addresses, and physical addresses for many of the phone numbers spamming me and could even see their more detailed background report with information on career and academic history. 

After confirming that the last few random numbers that called me were indeed not people I knew, I blocked them from contacting me again. 

Truthfinder Reviews of reverse phone number search.

After three days, I first canceled my five-day trial and was refunded the $1. The cancellation process was relatively simple. All I had to do was go to my membership settings, select Cancel Membership, and go through a few prompts to confirm I wanted to cancel. (TruthFinder offered a discounted subscription and asked me a few times if I really wanted to cancel). Once I confirmed that I did, it was canceled immediately. 

I also canceled my subscription to TruthFinder’s reverse phone lookup service, which involved the same process as canceling the five-day trial; I had to pay for the month and still have access to my account and am able to make phone searches until the 30-day subscription period is over. 

Is TruthFinder incognito?

Running a report on someone on TruthFinder is incognito. According to the company, the person you’re searching for won’t be notified that you’re searching for them. 

Does TruthFinder tell the person?

TruthFinder won’t tell the person you’re searching that you’re searching for them. According to the company, “You don’t need to worry about an email or push notification alerting them that you’ve been doing some poking around.”

TruthFinder reviews FAQs

TruthFinder cost: Is there a fee for TruthFinder? 

Yes, you'll need to pay a fee to use TruthFinder. They offer a monthly subscription plan for $28.33, or you can prepay for two months at $47.03, which works out to $23.52 a month. With both plans, you get unlimited reports.

TruthFinder also offers the following subscription and add-on options:

  • Reverse phone lookup feature for $4.99 a month for unlimited phone number lookups
  • Reverse email lookup subscription for $29.73 per month that provides unlimited reports on emails
  • PDF and report monitoring for $3.99 per month to get access to downloading PDFs and monitoring reports
  • Dark web monitoring at $2.99 per month to make sure your personal information is not being misused on the dark web

Is TruthFinder hard to cancel?

TruthFinder isn’t hard to cancel. You can cancel your subscription at any time with no early termination fees. 

To cancel your subscription, log into your account, click on the “Account” tab in the upper-right corner, and select “Membership Settings.” From there, click “Cancel Subscription” and submit your request. Your cancellation request will be processed immediately. 

You can also cancel over the phone by calling TruthFinder’s customer support team at 800-699-8081 during normal business hours or emailing them at help@truthfinder.com. 

Just note that if your membership is between billing cycles, you’ll be charged the full amount for that period even if you cancel before it ends. 

Is TruthFinder free?

No, you can’t use TruthFinder for free. You must pay for one or two-month membership to access background reports and to be able to look up phone numbers. 

Is there a TruthFinder app?

Yes, TruthFinder is available as an app for Android through Google Play and for iOS through the App Store. It has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Google Play and a 4.6 out of 5 rating on the App Store. Both versions are regularly updated.

Pros and cons of TruthFinder

TruthFinder has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it can help you vet people and see what kind of information others can find out about you. 

Plus, it’s simple to use and results are pretty precise. All you need is a person’s name or phone number to run a background report on them, and any information TruthFinder finds will be compiled into an simple-to-read report. 

Because TruthFinder aggregates public data from many sources, you don’t have to go digging around multiple websites or spend a ton of time tracking down information on someone. When I ran a background check on myself, it took all of a minute for the report to be completed. 

On the negative side, because all of the information you can get from TruthFinder is from public sources, the information isn’t unique. It’s possible to find this information elsewhere for free. 

According to customer reviews, sometimes the information included in a report isn’t up-to-date or can be scarce — so you might be disappointed, depending on what information you’re hoping to find about someone.

TruthFinder also isn’t free. You have to pay to access information — $28.33 for a monthly subscription or $47.03 for two months.

Bottom line: Is TruthFinder worth it?

If you're not interested or don't have the time to search a bunch of different places to try to find information on someone, then it may be worth signing up for TruthFinder.

TruthFinder is simple to use, simple to cancel, and relatively precise. It can help you track down basic information about someone, including phone numbers, current and past addresses, and career and academic history. But you may be disappointed that all of the information isn't up-to-date or doesn't go beyond the basics.

TruthFinder is just one of many background check sites. You can also try options like BeenVerified, Intelius, or Instant Checkmate. Check out our review on Instant Checkmate: 

Instant Checkmate reviews: Is it worth paying for?

Or, check out TruthFinder to access billions of public records in one place.

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