Square Cash - Use at your own risk

I recently ran into an issue where Square Cash took actions that ended up making me lose money.  Basically I was sending the $ back and forth to hit $50 total, and they decided to cancel all the incoming transactions.  The other person claims they didn't get the money either, so either Square Cash is lying or they are - either way Square Cash should have left the transactions alone, or cancelled them all - by choosing to only cancel the ones TO me I lost $50.

Of course their support is not helpful - you can't reach them on the phone, and via email they just give you the same pre-canned answered or don't seem to understand the issue.  Bottom line they told me to either try to resolve it with the person, or dispute the charges with my bank.  Of course some of the money was from my Cash App balance - so I can't dispute it with the bank leaving me out of options since Square Cash will not help me recover my loss.

To top it all off, they just advised me of the following:

"Our Account Services team conducted a review of your account and determined it to be high-risk. We are exercising our right under the Square Cash Agreement and have elected to deactivate your account."

Apparently having $50 taken from you then being a vocal customer who actually contacts their support about an issue they caused is "high-risk" because I know I didn't do anything else with my account that would be an issue.

"For security purposes, we cannot divulge further details regarding your account termination and our decision is final."

Well of course they wouldn't explain this decision, I am sure they don't have a good explanation and don't need one all they have to do is deactviate my account and I am out of luck.

Oh and to top it all off, I had pending referrals so that is another $10 per person they robbed me of.

So bottom line here, I no longer recommend Square Cash.  If you have problems they may not help you, and if you dare complain they will just deactivate your account apparently.  They need better customer service, like T-Mobile or Amazon -- companies that actually care about their customers as customers and not just profit.

Go here ( http://bigboystoys13.blogspot.com/2016/12/money-transfer-apps.html ) for alternate options, personally Circle Pay and Google Wallet are my favorites.

NOTE: This is just my opinion, make your own decision.

T-Mobile DIGITS Beta

I signed up for the T-Mobile DIGITS Beta, and will update this blog post as I play around with it.

Initial Setup - I started off with the option of just using one number (my main one on a S7 Edge) on multiple devices.  I setup the T-Mobile DIGITS software on my LG tablet.  I used another phone ( non-T-Mobile ) for some of the testing.

Once everything was setup, I started to do a few tests.

Text Messaging

1) I sent a message from the non-T-Mobile phone to my number linked to DIGITS.  The message showed up on my S7E as normal and showed up on the LG tablet in the DIGITS app.

2) I responded from my LG tablet to the non-T-Mobile phone, and that worked fine.  I responded from my S7 and it took a minute or two for the response to finally show up on the non-TMobile phone.  The next test from the S7 to the non-T-Mobile phone worked much quicker, and the LG tablet showed the response too.

So far it seems like responses from the DIGITS app on the LG do not get sync'd over to the S7, but if you respond on the S7 it does show up on the LG.  I currently see this as a disadvantage when compared to Google Voice / Hangouts, which syncs the messages across both devices.

Calling

1) I called from the non-T-Mobile phone to the DIGITS number, and both devices rang.

2) I answered on the LG tablet using DIGITS app, it seemed to work fine.

3) I noticed a "switch device" option, when I pressed it two options showed up "No name" and "Sim Device".  I tried "Sim Device" and my S7 rang again.

So bottom line the tablet was able to answer the call, and hand off to the phone which was pretty cool.

Money Transfer Apps

Lately I have been playing around with various money transfer apps, so I figured I would share some thoughts on each one.  For the most part, they have the same basic features - send money, get money, and put it in your bank.  One important note - these apps mainly work with the concept of getting money from family/friends, some of these will charge a fee or have other requirements if you use it for business.

22 Feb 2022 Update: 

PayPal - This is a classic, not really going to focus on it - chances are you have heard of it.  It does have protections and customer service you can talk to, which are important.

Google Wallet - Another one that has been around for a while.  It gets the job done, and lately they added a feature that allows you to instantly put the money on your debit card without a fee.  So far, no other apps do that free - Square Cash can do it, for a fee.

22 Feb 2022 Update: Google Wallet is now GPay, you can still transfer to your bank for free but a faster withdraw to debit card now has a fee.

Venmo - This is actually owned by PayPal.  I really didn't notice any unique features that stood out, other than the social aspect.  When you pay or request money, you have to put in a note and by default that is a public comment.  If you get bored you can scroll through random payments and see some funny / awkward comments.

Square Cash ( also called Cash App ) - Based on my experiences with this company I do not recommend them.

22 Feb 2022 Update: Circle Pay is no longer in service.

Circle Pay - This application seems to have the normal functions, but does have a few that set it apart:

• Send money via US Dollars, British Pounds, or Euros.
• Earn $ via referrals

At the end of the day, most people are going to use whatever is considered popular among their social group - no point having a way to transfer money if there is no one to use it with!

If you decide to try Circle Pay, make sure you read my posts on how to get your referral money.

Bank Alternatives

So this post is straying a bit from my normal posts, but lines up with my recent ones and I still think it is a bit "geeky" since Simple has a smartphone app.  As I talked with people about Square Cash and Circle, I ran into a surprising amount of people who simply did not have a bank account.  Some of them used prepaid options, but not a traditional bank account.

NOTE: 12 Feb 2022 Update - Simple has closed down.  SoFi Money is a good alternative to consider.

$25 from SoFi Money - You can save, spend, and earn interest—all in one account. Use my link to sign up and you’ll get a $25 bonus. Referral link: https://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=baf027eb-93db-453b-a474-fe7aae805180

Of course the easy option is to go to a local bank and open an account, but I wanted to share some alternatives to consider:

1) If you prefer a place you can walk into, look into credit unions.  They typically offer the same services as a bank but due to how they operate they normally have less fees and better rates.  You can read up on credit unions here ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_union ) and start looking for one here ( http://mapping.ncua.gov/ ).  Also, just search Google for "why are credit unions better" and you will find plenty of articles.

2) If you are ok doing "online only" banking, you can look into Simple.  I personally have been using the Simple card ( www.simple.com ) so I am comfortable recommending it.  Here are the main things I like about Simple:

- No fees ( https://www.simple.com/features/no-fees )
- Features to help you budget
- Smartphone app
- You can get your paycheck via direct deposit
- Works with online money transfer options like Venmo, Square Cash and Circle.
- Sign up using my referral link ( https://simple.com/friends/BRYN323 ) and get a free wallet.  See here for more details ( https://www.simple.com/referrals ).

I hope someone finds this information useful.

If you want to see freebies/offers, go here:
http://bigboystoys13.blogspot.com/2016/11/get-some-free-stuff-or-free-money.html

Get some free stuff or free money

(Last updated: 12 Feb 2022)

If you have looked at my recent blog posts, you will see that I have started to look into a few different offers where you can earn free money.  I decided to pull together some offers that would be useful, thinking back to my college days where basically anything free was good.

Other Money Apps

$10 Free from Strike - Hey! Join Strike and earn $10 when you sign up and verify your account using my referral code: BQANP2

https://invite.strike.me/BQANP2

Saving/Bank Accounts

$25 from SoFi Money - You can save, spend, and earn interest—all in one account. Use my link to sign up and you’ll get a $25 bonus. 

https://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=baf027eb-93db-453b-a474-fe7aae805180

Qapital - Feb 12 2022 Update: This service is no longer free.

Rize - Sep 25 2019 Update: Referral program has been retired, but the service is still useful.

Simple - Sep 25 2019 Update: Referral program no longer valid but still a solid company.

Investing Money

SoFi Invest - Sign up and fund an Active Investing account with $100 or more, you'll get $25 in stock.

https://www.sofi.com/invite/invest?gcp=cca4bce7-4c67-43c6-bcd9-30417db86500

Robinhood - If you are interested in buying and selling stocks, you can use this app which offers stock purchases without a fee and you can get a FREE stock valued up to around $200.  Read more at my post or just go to my referral link.  You can also earn up to $500 in stocks by referring others.

Stockpile - Another good option for stocks, this one is very good if you plan to gift the stock as a gift.  Read up more on here on my blog ( http://bigboystoys13.blogspot.com/2017/09/stockpile-review-and-free-5-stock.html ) for more info and a $5 free of stock.

This page ( http://bigboystoys13.blogspot.com/2017/10/investing-in-stocks-get-some-free.html ) has some information comparing Robinhood and Stockpile, and has a link to some useful resources to start reading.

Mobile Pay/Transfer Apps - Great way to send/get money between friends, and for those in college it is a great way to hit up your parents for money!  I wrote up a summary of the various apps on another post ( here ).

Most of these apps require a bank account / debit card, and I was surprised to find out many people don't have that.  I wrote up some alternatives to banks, check it out here and also did a comparison between Qapital, Chime and Simple ( http://bigboystoys13.blogspot.com/2017/10/online-bank-prepaid-card-alternatives.html ).  I haven't had a chance to update those pages, but SoFi Money (mentioned below) is another good option for a bank account / debit card.

Other Money Related

SoFi Personal and Student Loans - Use my referral links below for the opportunity to get a $300 in SoFi Money when you refinance student loans or take out a personal loan.

Personal Loan referral - https://www.sofi.com/invite/personal-loans/?gcp=08f318fe-eef2-47b9-82ce-283a0488e360

Student Loan referral  - https://www.sofi.com/invite/student-loans/?gcp=bde66a0d-dc92-4a65-88cd-b32833844292

-- Everything below this line was from the prior 2019 revision, and may no longer be valid.  I am going to work on updating this post.

Truebill - Basically like a personal finance watchdog. The app watches your account and when banks or credit cards charge you sneaky fees they go after them to get your money refunded! On top of that, it automatically detects everyone that's billing you monthly and can automatically cancel charges you don't want.  It has already help me catch a few things I might have missed!  When you refer people and they save money, you get money too and you have a chance to earn $15 for every 3 people you refer!  My personal invite link is http://ref.truebill.com/okUG/rgfDIg9VzG

Online Bank / Prepaid Card Alternatives ( Chime, Simple and Qapital )

Shopping Apps

Giftagram - Use my Giftagram code: VJ264760, and get $5 towards your first gift. Download Giftagram from the Play Store http://ow.ly/vxMQ308kAqu or you can get it on Apple devices.  Once you setup the application, go to "More" then "My Credits / Promo Code" you should see $5 available, if not put in my code VJ264760 and click "Redeem Code".  Find a gift and order it!  Also, if you refer people they get $5 off their first gift and you get $5 credit when they make a purchase.

Hollar - Get a $2 store credit for Hollar.com.  https://www.hollar.com/share/429prm5b

Dosh - Get cash back from purchases (both in store and online) without scanning barcodes/receipts, mailing in rebates or putting in promo codes.  Also get $5 instantly in the app just by signing-up using my link and refer others for a chance to get $5 more per person you refer!  Minimum payout $15, and it can payout to PayPal or a bank account.  Use my link to sign up ( http://link.dosh.cash/YCLI/RtXNzi6pGG ) or check out my blog post for some screenshots of the app.

Drop - This application is very similar to Dosh ( above ).  I was able to quickly get enough points to earn a $5 Starbucks gift card, and I plan to keep trying it out.  Use my link to sign up and get 2000 points ( https://b.ewd.io/code?c=pkbs3 ) or check out my blog post for more information.

Ibotta - It’s an easy to use, cash back rewards app.  I used it on a few receipts already and saved money!  Use my referral code, gbpchfh, and you can get a $10 welcome bonus. Sign up at https://ibotta.com/r/ctirter

Instacart (Publix, CVS and others) - Get $10 off your order ( I think it kicks in when you spend $30 or more ) and they are offering FREE delivery on your first order.  I used this to get some stuff I needed from Publix.  Use my referral link ( https://inst.cr/t/p7dpsXEXB )

Swagbucks - This service has many different ways to earn points, and I have read about it being a good option.  I finally gave it a try.  I had an offer for $10 bonus by spending $25 from any of the stores they have linked.  I ended up purchasing something from Wal-Mart that I wanted, and I should be getting enough points for a $10 gift card!  I have earned points other ways also, normally I dont like survey apps but this one seems like it might be a good option.  Use my referral link ( http://www.swagbucks.com/p/register?rb=39735447 ).

Survey Apps
Streetbees - I just started using Streetbees, and already got $2 paid to my PayPay.  I normally don't do survey apps but gave it a try and I like the quick payout.  Use my referral code 843694, here is the link to the app ( http://onelink.to/streetbees )

1Q - Get paid $0.25 or $0.50 to PayPal for simple 1 question surveys.  Sign up here ( http://1Q.com/d5ywjk )

Rideshare Apps - Both of these apps are similar, a way to catch a ride somewhere.  If you haven't heard of them, come out of the cave :-)

Uber - If you haven't signed up for this use my referral link ( https://www.uber.com/invite/ubervictor-j ) to get some free $ towards a ride.  Once you have the app, invite your friends so you and your friend can both earn some free $ towards a ride.

Lyft - If you haven't signed up for this use my referral link ( https://lyft.com/ida/VICTOR492868 ) to get some free $ toward a ride.  Once you have the app, invite your friends so you and your friend can both earn free $ towards a ride.

Other Apps

Atom Tickets - This application lets you buy movie tickets at many local theaters.  In some cities, you actually get a free ticket when you sign up.  After that, they offer various deals and a chance to earn free tickets when you refer someone.  Also if someone refers you, you get $5 off.

Samsung Pay - If you have a Samsung Pay compatible pay, I would suggest trying it out - they often do various promotions/deals that can earn you discounts or free money.  If you are new to enter my code ( BEDD85 ) as a promotion code before your 1st purchase to get $5 in rewards.

Amazon Related

Amazon Prime Student (New Users) - Get a 6-month trial which includes things like FREE two-day shipping and a chance to earn $10 per person you refer to Prime Student.

Amazon Prime (New Users) - Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime which includes things like FREE two-day shipping, Prime Video, and many other things.

Discontinued or I no longer use/recommend

Circle Pay - Sep 25 2019 Update: Discontinued

Square Cash (also known as Cash App) - I do not recommend this anymore, but you can still look into it

Clarity Money - Connects to your accounts and get useful information.  Sep 25 2019 Update: Not sure this has a referral program anymore.

Empower - Similar to Clarity Money above or Mint, it connects to your account and gives you insights into your spending.  Sep 25 2019 Update: Not sure this has a referral program anymore.

RushCard - Get $30 free when you sign up for RushCard, details here.  Sep 25 2019 Update: I do not refer this anymore.
( http://bigboystoys13.blogspot.com/2017/11/rushcard-free-30.html )

Dvdendo - Sep 25 2019 Update: No longer free, so I do not use it or refer anyone to it anymore.

Acorns - Sep 25 2019 Update: No longer free, so I do not use it or refer anyone to it anymore.

Google Express - Get $10 off your 1st order using my link ( https://express.google.com/invite/7X6KS34V2 ).  Sep 25 2019 Update: Referral program no longer valid.

Expense Rewards - Get 500 points to redeem your first $5 gift card and earn more points when you make a purchase on your linked account or refer someone. To accept, use code 'NZAY05' to sign up. Enjoy! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.expreward&referrer=utm_campaign%3DNZAY05  Sep 25 2019 Update: Not sure this has a referral program anymore.