May has arrived and the flowers — and freebies — are in full bloom!
From gratis food — tasty tacos and several types of desserts! — to complimentary air freshener, we’ve rounded up an array of can’t-miss deals to enjoy this month.
Read on to learn how you can eat, stream your favorite TV shows, explore one of the best museums in the world and more in May without paying a single cent. And for even more options, head on over to Money Talks News’ freebies page.
Free Taco Bell taco — May 4
In celebration of what it’s calling the “Taco Moon,” Taco Bell is giving away free Seasoned Beef Crunchy Tacos from 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. local time on May 4.
The waning crescent lunar phase, in which the moon resembles a taco, is a perfect time to score one of those savory treats for free — no purchase necessary — when you order in-store, online or via the Taco Bell app. Learn more.
Free McDonald’s Caramel Brownie McFlurry — May 4
Have you ever mistaken the McDonald’s McFlurry spoon for a straw? Well, you’re not the only one. To make up for any confusion, the hamburger giant is handing out a free regular-size Caramel Brownie McFlurry to customers on May 4. Simply scan the offer code in the McD App and pick up your free treat at a participating location.
Hesitant to leave home? You also can get the gratis frozen treat May 3-9 with a $15 purchase from McDelivery with Uber Eats. Get details.
Free streaming trials — ongoing
As we recently reported, free streaming TV trials are not as common as they once were. But you can still find them if you know where to look.
For example, you can get free:
- Hulu: Up to 30 days, depending on the plan
- Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access): Seven days
- Philo: Seven days
Free Louvre art collection online — ongoing
Now, you can visit the world-famous Louvre Museum from the comfort of your home.
The Paris-based art museum has put nearly 500,000 items from its collection online for art lovers to peruse at their leisure for free. For more, check out “Entire Louvre Collection Now Available Online.”
Free fro-yo for moms at TCBY — May 9
Mark your calendars for Mother’s Day on May 9! In honor of “The Country’s Best Moms,” The Country’s Best Yogurt (TCBY) is offering all mothers their first 6 ounces, a small cup or a cone of TCBY frozen yogurt for free.
Delicious deals vary by location. Learn more.
Free Amazon Prime — ongoing
As many of us have learned during the pandemic, shopping online is the ultimate in convenience and safety. And having Amazon Prime makes it even better.
Perks include not just faster shipping but also access to free e-books, music, file storage and more. To learn how to get Amazon Prime without paying for it, check out “5 Ways to Get Amazon Prime for Free.”
Free Febreze Plug-In at Walmart — through May 14
Want your home or office to smell fresh for up to 50 days? Walmart is giving away free Febreze Plug-Ins through May 15.
Sign up here for the digital offer, and pick up your no-cost scented oil warmer at your local Walmart.
Free dessert at White Castle — through May 31
Folks who have gotten their COVID-19 vaccine can enjoy a free Dessert On-A-Stick from White Castle with proof of immunization.
This sweet offer is valid through May at participating locations. Print your coupon now.
Free food — ongoing
As we recently noted, the price of many items now is rising — including grocery items such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and fruits in vegetables.
If the higher cost of groceries is straining your wallet, it’s time to fight back! Check out our tips for cutting food costs in “5 Ways to Fill Your Pantry With Free Food.”
Free ATM use — ongoing
Finally, one of the sneakiest ways to go broke is from having to pay ATM fees. Fortunately, choosing the right place for your banking needs can help you avoid this unnecessary way to lose cash.
For more, check out “6 Banks That Waive or Refund ATM Fees.”
Free tax preparation — ongoing
Tax Day this year is May 17, so you have more time to settle your obligations to Uncle Sam. Don’t waste it — several free services are available to help you file a return properly and on time.
Volunteer tax preparers across the nation will do your taxes for free, provided your annual income is $57,000 or less. Others also may qualify for the service. Visit this IRS webpage to learn more.
Those who make $72,000 or less can use the IRS Free File program, a partnership between the IRS and makers of commercial tax-preparation software. With this service, you can prepare and file your federal individual income tax return for free using tax-preparation-and-filing software. Learn more at this IRS webpage.
If you don’t qualify for the free preparation listed above, consider the free service from Credit Karma. Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson reviews the service in “How to Get Your Taxes Done Absolutely Free.”
Free Red Cross test for coronavirus antibodies — through June 15
Want to find out if you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus — and aid your community? Simply donate blood, platelets or plasma to those in need at your local American Red Cross office.
The organization will test the blood “for the presence of coronavirus antibodies, which form when the body fights infections such as COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.”
This service was supposed to end in March, but it recently was extended until the end of May. Expect your results approximately seven to 10 days after your donation.
For more, read “A Free Way to Discover If You’ve Had COVID-19.”
Free fishing days — days vary by state
Want to catch a big one, but don’t have a fishing license? Not a problem. Free Fishing Days allow anglers to cast their rods without having to purchase a license — perfect for beginners looking to try out the sport.
Free Fishing Days vary by state, but many states are hosting such days in May. Get details.
Free Krispy Kreme doughnuts — throughout 2021
Krispy Kreme is offering up a very sweet deal for those who get vaccinated against COVID-19 — a free Original Glazed doughnut every day for the rest of the year. Protection from the coronavirus disease and months of gratis goodies: Talk about a win-win!
To score your complimentary doughnuts, simply show your vaccination card at your local Krispy Kreme shop.
Two other promotions are available at Krispy Kreme:
- During Be Sweet Weekends, customers who purchase any dozen doughnuts will get an additional Be Sweet Dozen (an Original Glazed dozen with one smiley-face doughnut) to share with a friend or neighbor for just $1. This deal will be available on Saturdays and Sundays through May 23.
- Customers also can get one free medium brewed coffee and a free Original Glazed doughnut every Monday through May 24. No purchase is necessary.
Learn more in “Krispy Kreme Offering Free Doughnuts All Year.”
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