I for one absolutely love getting something for nothing so I thought I would share information about two of the products I use which give me FREE meals out and cash back against my utility bills.
I was recommended to apply for a Tesco credit card (and clubcard) by a friend. I have always liked to get points against my credit card spending but the best I have come across is the Tesco scheme. I needed a credit card anyway, so changing to the Tesco card made no difference. But then the quaterly vouchers start to arrive based on how much you have spent. The really good thing is the scheme to exchange them for restaurant vouchers at 4 times face value. You get the vouchers for nothing anyway then you get 4 times their face value!! This Friday I am going to see Doves in concert in Manchester. Bella Italia are part of the scheme so I exchanged £7.50 in Tesco vouchers and received £30 to spend at the restaurant against food. In effect the food will cost nothing.
The second card I love is the Utility Warehouse cash card. It costs £1 per month but is well worth it for the 'cash back' you receive against your utility bills. Taking 4 services is a great deal anyway, I have my gas electricity broadband and landline with Utility Warehouse and as a result save considerable sums, particularly on the broadband/telephone package. But the cash card is the icing on the cake. You do have to organise your spending a little differently as the cash card needs to be loaded with cash which you can set up automatically or as and when needed. Everytime you use it to buy things at 30 main high street shops 5% of the amount spent is credited to your monthly utility bill. I receive at least £10 per month, often more. Even at £10 thats £120 off my bills each year. Boots, House of Fraser, Argos, Debenhams etc etc are all participants. The only problem for Barnsley is that there isn't a Sainsburys in the town as Sainsburys also participate in the scheme. Anyone who shops regularly at Sainsburys would get 5% against their weekly shop (and petrol if your shopping comes to more than £50), that could lead to some serious savings especially for families.
If anyone knows of any other fantastic 'get something for nothing' schemes, I'd be interested to learn about them.