Ten ways to make £100

If your bank balance is in need of a boost, here are ten ways to make a ton.

1. Time your car insurance switch just right

The sweet spot for renewing your car insurance is 26 to 27 days before your policy expires, according to Go.Compare. Drivers who lock in their new policy during this window pay an average of £390, compared to £554 for those who leave it until the day of renewal - a saving of £164.

2. Haggle with your broadband provider

Once your initial contract ends, broadband companies often hike up the price. But you don’t have to just accept it. Call your provider and ask for a better deal. If you can get just £8–£9 off per month, that’s over £100 a year saved – and often providers will go even lower if they think you might switch.

3. Sell unwanted items

Have a clear-out and turn clutter into cash. Old clothes, kids’ toys, gadgets or furniture could easily bring in £100 or more. Platforms like Vinted, eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree make it simple to sell locally or nationwide.

4. Switch bank accounts

Banks are keen to attract new customers, and many offer switching incentives of £100–£200. If you see an offer from a bank you’d be happy to switch to (check out their customer service reviews first), moving accounts could well pay off.

Before doing anything, make sure you check out the terms and conditions – you may need to pay in a certain amount or set up direct debits. And just be aware, your credit score may take a hit if you switch too often. But if you haven’t moved accounts in a while, it could be an easy way to make at least £100.

5. Take part in market research

Market research focus groups pay as much as £50–£100 for your opinions and an hour of your time. Agencies you can join to hear about opportunities include Saros and Angelfish Opinions.

6. Check you’re not missing out on money you’re entitled to

Every year, £23bn in benefits and social tariffs goes unclaimed in the UK, according to Policy in Practice. Make sure you’re not missing out.

7. Use cashback websites and apps

When shopping online, always check cashback sites like TopCashback or Quidco. A few big purchases – such as insurance, utilities or broadband – could easily earn you £100 in cashback rewards.

8. Get a smart meter and track your energy use

While the meter itself doesn’t save money, being able to see what you’re spending in real time helps cut waste. Small changes – switching off unused appliances, reducing tumble dryer use and cooking more efficiently – can easily save £100 over the year. Just be aware, if you're worried about being forced onto a prepayment plan, once you have a smart meter, your supplier may be able to do this remotely.

9. Try mystery shopping

Mystery shopping companies pay you to review stores, restaurants and even online services. Many reimburse your purchases, so you get free food, cinema trips or clothes, plus a small payment. Complete a few jobs, and you could pocket £100.

10. Better budgeting

Streaming services, magazines, apps – many of us pay for things we don’t use regularly. Creating a proper budget, where you account for all of your spending, will highlight money going to waste. Just cancelling two streaming services could save £15 a month – nearly £200 a year.