Rebate programs like eBates give you rewards for online shopping. SmarterBucks is a similar program that allows you to earn rewards to pay off your student loan debt. As the site explains:

"With SmarterBucks, we wanted to take something as simple (and necessary) as spending money and make it work for you. It's not going to wipe out your debt overnight, but we pledge to show you how every dollar can make a difference."


Student debtors can use the program for free, and so can gifters—friends or family members who want to pledge their help. The program is somewhat similar to Upromise, which allows users to pay off Sallie Mae loans. SmarterBucks, however, is available for any type of student loan.

"The SmarterBucks program is valuable for anyone with student loan debt or for those who want to help someone else who has student loan debt. Of course, it is great for current students as the sooner you start earning SmarterBucks, the more they can help you reduce your student debt."


Debtors sign up, link a student loan to their account, and begin earning SmarterBucks. When you earn at least $10 in SmaterBucks, the money is automatically applied to your linked student loan. Gifters sign up and transfer their earned Bucks to the debtor.

There are a few ways to earn SmarterBucks:

Online shopping in the SmarterBucks Marketplace

SmarterBucks surveys

Selling back your textbooks and electronics

When it comes to paying off massive debt, every little bit helps. An online rewards program is a creative way to help pay off a student loan.

SmaterBucks

Photo by 21millimeter .

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