Uk Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis Shares Current Freebies And Offers

Martin Lewis, the renowned MoneySavingExpert, has shared numerous freebies and money-saving opportunities for UK consumers during the current cost of living crisis. While these offers are specific to the UK market rather than the U.S. samples typically covered on consumer websites, they represent significant value for eligible UK residents. The following overview details the current freebies and promotional opportunities highlighted by Martin Lewis and his team.

Current Freebies and Offers

Martin Lewis has identified 16 freebies currently available to UK consumers, with several particularly noteworthy offers that may not remain available for long. These opportunities span financial products, food items, and government-backed schemes designed to help households manage expenses during challenging economic times.

Financial Freebies

M&S Bank Card Offer

One of the most substantial financial freebies currently available is a £40 cash bonus for those accepted for an M&S Bank credit card. This offer includes: - A one-time £40 payment upon acceptance - An 18-month interest-free period on purchases - The opportunity to earn rewards with M&S when using the card

The offer is particularly appealing for those planning to make purchases with M&S, as it combines immediate cash incentive with an extended interest-free period.

Virgin Money Bank Switching Incentive

For those considering switching their bank account, Virgin Money is offering one of the most attractive incentives on the market: - 15 bottles of wine claimed to be worth £180 - A 2.02% AER variable interest rate on balances up to £1,000 - The offer is described by Martin Lewis as "the best switching offer available right now"

However, this incentive is time-limited, with Martin Lewis warning that it may not remain available for much longer. The wine offer is available exclusively to new switchers to Virgin Money bank accounts.

Santander 16-25 Railcard Promotion

Santander is offering a valuable incentive for young adults aged 20-25: - A free 16-25 railcard (normally priced at £100) - The railcard provides a one-third discount on most rail fares - Eligibility requires opening a Santander savings account with a £50 deposit - The account must be set up with online or mobile banking by the end of May - The £50 deposit must remain in the account until at least June 30, 2025

Martin Lewis emphasizes that this promotion is available to all UK residents aged 20-25 on June 30, 2025, not just students. He specifically recommends the Simple 1.2% Easy Access Saver account for this promotion and suggests acting quickly due to potential high demand.

Food and Beverage Freebies

Supermarket Food Coupons

MoneySavingExpert maintains a regularly updated list of supermarket coupons that currently features 13 different coupons for free food and drinks: - A £2.50 box of PG Tips tea through a digital coupon - A free bar of Lindt chocolate worth £2 through app-based offers - A carton of Jord Oat Milk worth £1.80 through app-based offers

These offers are particularly valuable for consumers looking to reduce their weekly food expenses without compromising on quality.

Fast Food Chain Promotions

During the cost of living crisis, several major fast food chains have offered free food items: - Greggs: Free bake or sausage roll (including steak bake, cheese and onion bake, or vegan sausage roll) for anyone who signs up to the Greggs app by January 2, 2023 - These items typically cost between £1 and £2 when purchased normally

The Greggs offer represents a straightforward way to obtain a free food item simply by downloading and registering with their app, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

Government-Backed Energy Saving Schemes

Great British Insulation Scheme

The MoneySavingExpert team has highlighted a government-backed initiative that could significantly reduce household energy costs: - The Great British Insulation Scheme offers free insulation or potentially a new boiler - Eligible households could save an average of nearly £1,500 annually on energy bills - The scheme provides a free online eligibility checker

To qualify under the "low income" category, applicants must: - Own their home - Have an energy performance certificate rated D or lower - Have a household member claiming a qualifying benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Benefit, Income Support, or Housing Benefit) - Alternatively, live in social housing or be considered by the local council as low income (total household income under £31,000) and vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home

For those not meeting the low-income criteria but still eligible, free insulation may still be available, though a new boiler would not typically be provided.

Impact of Money Saving Advice

The effectiveness of Martin Lewis's money-saving advice is demonstrated through real-life success stories. Tracy Prees, a single mother from Birmingham, accumulated £10,000 in debt from loans and credit cards during financial hardship. By implementing Martin Lewis's recommendations, particularly during lockdown periods, she was able to turn her financial situation around:

• She identified suitable savings accounts based on Lewis's guidance
• She determined her eligibility for various benefits
• She developed a structured approach to debt repayment
• She reported being "nearly debt-free" after years of financial struggle

Tracy's experience illustrates how targeted money-saving advice and strategic financial planning can help individuals overcome significant debt and improve their financial stability.

Time-Sensitive Nature of Offers

Several of the highlighted freebies and offers have specific deadlines or limited availability:

• The Santander railcard promotion requires account setup by the end of May
• The Greggs app offer expired on January 2, 2023
• The Virgin Money wine offer may be withdrawn soon due to high demand
• The Great British Insulation Scheme has an unspecified end date

Martin Lewis consistently emphasizes the importance of acting quickly on these opportunities, as many are subject to change or withdrawal based on demand or promotional periods.

Conclusion

The freebies and money-saving opportunities highlighted by Martin Lewis and the MoneySavingExpert team provide valuable financial relief options for UK consumers during the cost of living crisis. These offers span financial products, food items, and government-backed schemes, with each requiring specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

While these opportunities are UK-specific rather than the U.S.-based samples typically featured on consumer websites, they demonstrate how targeted promotional offers and government initiatives can help households reduce expenses. The time-sensitive nature of many offers underscores the importance of acting quickly when valuable opportunities become available.

For UK residents seeking to maximize their household budget, these freebies represent significant potential savings across multiple categories. However, eligibility requirements and application deadlines must be carefully considered to ensure successful participation in these programs.

Sources

1. MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis shares 16 freebies you can get right now
2. Cost of living: MoneySavingExpert's Martin Lewis shows how you can eat for free at Greggs, Burger King, Taco Bell and Krispy Kreme
3. Martin Lewis urges low earners to check eligibility for £3,500 worth of energy-saving measures
4. Martin Lewis urges people born in certain years to get £100 Santander freebie now
5. Cleared £10k debt: Martin Lewis tips